British aerospace manufacturer Vertical Aerospace has just introduced its new generation full-scale VX4 electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) prototype.
Vertical Aerospace unveils faster, more powerful VX4 eVTOL prototype
According to the press release, Vertical Aerospace presented the “most advanced and powerful full-scale” prototype of its VX4 eVTOL aircraft in the United Kingdom.
Vertical Aerospace locally developed and assembled the next-gen VX4 in the UK.
The company outlined that this latest prototype has a 20% power-to-weight ratio increase, enabling a maximum speed of 150 mph. For context, it is the certification aircraft’s intended cruise speed.
The newly unveiled prototype is apparently the first iteration of the VX4 to use the company’s proprietary battery technology, delivering a maximum range of 100 miles between charges.
The VX4 can carry up to four passengers, excluding the pilot. According to the company, 60% of this latest prototype features technology and components from its aerospace partners. It indicates a notable increase from just 10% in the prior iteration.
“Our goal is to build the safest and most advanced aircraft in this new category of transport. With the new full-scale VX4 prototype, which has been built by combining our own world-leading technology with that from leading aerospace partners, we are well on the way to achieving that goal.”
Stuart Simpson, Vertical Aerospace Chief Executive Officer
Customer demand
Vertical Aerospace has already accumulated 1,500 pre-orders for the VX4 eVTOL aircraft from major buyers across the four continents, including the following:
- Virgin Atlantic
- American Airlines
- Japan Airlines, GOL
- Bristow – one of the world’s leading helicopter operators
This enormous pre-order pool equates to a whopping $6 billion, according to the company.
“This is a critical step on our road to certification and commercialisation and, while there is more to do, the support of our partners and our $6 billion order book shows the trust and confidence the industry has in our outstanding product. We are excited to start our robust, test flight programme at our Flight Test Centre as we continue our focus on achieving piloted flight.”
Stuart Simpson, Vertical Aerospace Chief Executive Officer
Robust flight test program on the horizon
Vertical Aerospace disclosed plans to continuously collaborate with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to secure a permit to fly.
If it succeeds, the company can finally pursue its plans to launch a “robust” t eVTOL flight test program in the country. The program will help Vertical Aerospace in achieving piloted flights.
The England-based aerospace company is currently developing a similar full-scale eVTOL prototype to accelerate the planned flight test program.
These efforts align with Vertical Aerospace’s strategy to merge prototype data to design and produce the certified VX4 model for future commercial operations.
