Just over a week after Vertical Aerospace unveiled its new full-scale VX4 eVTOL prototype, the UK-based pioneer has confirmed that the aircraft has completed its first tethered piloted flight.
The huge milestone was achieved late in the afternoon on July 25, 2024, at Cotswolds Airport (GBA) in England, with Vertical Aerospace’s Chief Test Pilot, Justin Paines, at the controls.
The electric vehicle takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft performed the flight while loosely tethered to the ground, as Vertical engineers measured over 20,000 flight and system parameters to verify thrust, handling qualities and system performance.
Leading up to the test flight, this week the VX4 successfully completed extensive ground testing, including powered propulsion testing of its advanced powertrain.
The powertrain features proprietary battery packs, designed and constructed in-house at the Vertical Energy Centre, which are capable of delivering 1.4 MW of peak power.
Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, said: “The first tethered flight of our new VX4 prototype is the result of 14 months of hard work – taking this advanced aircraft all the way from design, through to development and now into the air. This moment is testament to the skill and commitment of hundreds of talented colleagues in our business who have made our VX4 aircraft the best eVTOL out there.”
Simpson added: “Everyone at Vertical Aerospace remains laser-focused on achieving piloted transition as we continue to progress towards our ultimate goal of commercialisation and creating a new legacy for aviation.”
Yesterday’s tethered piloted flight took place as a consequence of the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) issuing Vertical with a Permit to Fly for its VX4 prototype.
Vertical is required to submit documentation to the CAA to move through each test flight phase, including extensive, detailed documentation covering every aspect from safety protocols and engineering specifications to operational procedures.
Further down the line, Vertical will conduct thrustborne flight testing which will see the VX4 take-off and land vertically, as well as conducting low speed flight maneuvers with lift generated by the propellers.
Additional stages include wingborne or conventional flight (CTOL) and piloted transition flight.