VX4 eVTOL Prototype Completes First Tethered Piloted Flight

The VX4 performed a piloted flight while loosely tethered to the ground, during which Vertical measured over 20,000 flight and system parameters By Joe Macey / 31 Jul 2024
New VX4 Prototype Completes First Tethered Piloted Flight
Follow AAMi

Vertical Aerospace’s latest VX4 eVTOL prototype has performed its first tethered piloted flight.

This VX4 performed a piloted flight while loosely tethered to the ground, during which Vertical measured over 20,000 flight and system parameters to verify thrust, handling qualities and system performance.

The tethered piloted flight took place after the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) had issued Vertical with a Permit to Fly for its VX4 prototype, having rigorously evaluated the engineering, design, test data and aircraft, effectively conducting a “mini certification” programme of the aircraft.

Vertical must submit documentation to the CAA to move through each flight phase, including extensive, detailed documentation covering every aspect from safety protocols and engineering specifications to operational procedures.

Following initial tethered flights, and once it has received permission from the CAA to expand the flight envelope, the VX4 will enter the next phase of testing which will start with further thrustborne flight testing. This will see the VX4 take-off and land vertically and conduct low speed flight manoeuvres with lift generated by the propellers.

Wingborne or conventional flight (CTOL) and the final critical test stage of piloted transition flight will follow, only once the CAA’s rigorous approval for this final phase of testing has been granted. In advance of this first tethered flight, the VX4 has also successfully completed extensive ground testing, including powered propulsion testing of its advanced powertrain, which features proprietary battery packs capable of delivering 1.4 MW of peak power and which has been designed and built at the state-of-the-art Vertical Energy Centre. 

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.

“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.”

Posted by Joe Macey Edited by Joseph Macey, Editor and Copywriter and experienced journalist with an active interest in advanced air mobility. Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

LYNEports Collaborates to Accelerate Sustainable UAM Solutions Worldwide

LYNEports is partnering with Eyrie Aero and ELSA Industry to accelerate worldwide UAM through AI-driven vertiport planning, green hydrogen integration, and scalable eVTOL infrastructure solutions

Jul 11, 2025
Flying Car Owners to Gain Access to New Pilot Training Program

Samson Sky has revealed plans for a pilot training program for Switchblade Flying Car customers and those who just want to earn their 'wings'

Jul 10, 2025
ARC Aerosystems Partnership to Accelerate VTOL Introduction in Japan

AirMobility and ARC Aerosystems have signed an MoU, collaborating to expand ARC’s VTOL aircraft, including the Pegasus 3, and AAM solutions in Japan

Jul 08, 2025
Archer Completes Initial Midnight eVTOL Flight in Abu Dhabi

Archer has launched flight testing of its Midnight eVTOL in Abu Dhabi, advancing certification efforts and preparing for commercial air taxi services in the UAE

Jul 07, 2025
SkyDrive Raises Major Funding to Strengthen eVTOL Certification & Development Efforts

SkyDrive has raised ¥8.3 billion in Pre-Series D funding, led by MUFG Bank and major transport firms, to advance its SD-05 eVTOL aircraft certification

Jul 07, 2025
Skyfly Completes First Airfield-to-Airfield eVTOL Flight in Europe

Skyfly Technologies has completed what is reportedly Europe’s first airfield-to-airfield eVTOL flight using its Axe prototype, flying from Turweston to Bicester and back in a round trip

Jul 04, 2025