UK electric aviation technology company Vertical Aerospace has successfully completed the second stage of piloted thrustborne testing for its full-scale VX4 prototype.
This test program achievement paves the way for the VX4 to enter its next critical phase: wingborne flight. This transition will involve a careful and methodical expansion of the aircraft’s operational envelope.
This upcoming phase will be a landmark moment, as the VX4 ventures beyond the controlled airspace of Cotswold Airport. It will venture into real-world operating conditions for the first time. This move signifies a crucial step towards real-world deployment.
Test Phase 2 Completion
During Phase 2, the VX4 completed over thirty piloted test flights. These flights included hover and low-speed maneuvers, as well as handling and performance procedures like roll, yaw, and spot turns. Each maneuver was carefully analyzed and documented.
Engineers gathered extensive data, assessing aircraft system reliability, thrust levels, lift efficiency, power-to-thrust ratio, and control responsiveness.
Impressively, these piloted prototype flights experienced no system failures and exceeded expectations for stability and performance. This reinforces the robustness of the VX4’s design.
This success builds on Vertical Aerospace’s strong start to 2025. This saw the appointment of Dómhnal Slattery as Chair and the announcement of its upsized $90 million underwritten public offering. These developments underscore investor confidence in Vertical Aerospace’s vision.
“This year has begun with incredible momentum,” said Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace. “This testing phase has provided invaluable insights into our phenomenal aircraft.”
“Each milestone brings us closer to transforming how the world moves, and we’re applying these learnings as we advance our piloted flight test program. I’m incredibly excited as we approach another historic moment, preparing for our most advanced testing stage yet.”
Simon Davies, Vertical Aerospace’s Chief Test Pilot, who piloted the VX4, added his observations. “This phase allowed us to execute key flight maneuvers in real-world conditions, providing valuable insights into the VX4’s reliability and responsiveness under more demanding scenarios.”
“The aircraft performed exceptionally, demonstrating stability and ease of flight comparable to our simulations. It’s remarkable to see our progress—from the first tethered flights just months ago to now successfully completing thrustborne testing.”
“I look forward to the coming months as we further expand the flight envelope and take the next critical steps toward wingborne flight.”
CAA Permit to Fly
To progress to wingborne flight, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) must first expand Vertical Aerospace’s Permit to Fly. Upon approval, the VX4 will take off, fly, and land like a conventional aircraft, generating lift from its wings rather than its rotors.
Transitioning from a controlled test environment to more dynamic, scalable operations represents a major advancement toward full certification and commercial viability. Successful wingborne flight will effectively represent a mini-certification process for this prototype.
While Vertical Aerospace works with the CAA, it will continue system and component testing and progress development of an identical full-scale prototype. This will accelerate the VX4’s flight test program and demonstration capability.
Following wingborne testing, the VX4 will enter a final phase of transition testing, demonstrating its ability to seamlessly switch between vertical and forward flight modes.
Click the banner to subscribe to our weekly newsleter.
Click the photo to join our WhatsApp channel so then you can stay up to date with everything going on in the aviation industry!
