Vertical Aerospace, a global aerospace and electric aviation technology, has successfully completed the second phase of piloted thrustborne testing with its full-scale VX4 prototype.
The company is now preparing for the next step as the VX4 progresses to its near-final stage of flight trials: wingborne flight. This upcoming phase will be a critical point in the VX4’s journey, as it will transition from the controlled environment of Cotswold Airport’s airfield to real-world flight conditions.
In Phase 2, the aircraft successfully carried out more than thirty piloted test flights. These tests included effective hover and low-speed manoeuvres, as well as handling procedures such as roll, yaw, and spot-turns. Engineers gathered valuable data on aircraft performance, including thrust levels, lift efficiency, power-to-thrust ratios, and control responsiveness. The flights were free from system failures, exceeding expectations for both stability and performance.
This development adds to Vertical’s promising start to 2025, following the appointment of Dómhnal Slattery as Chair and the announcement of a significant $90m public offering. To move on to wingborne flight, Vertical must first seek an expanded Permit to Fly from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Once granted, the VX4 will fly and land like a traditional airplane, relying on its wings for lift instead of its rotors. This transition from a controlled test environment to more diverse, scalable operations represents a major milestone in achieving full certification and commercial readiness. Completing wingborne flight will essentially serve as a mini-certification for the aircraft.
While awaiting the expanded Permit to Fly, Vertical will continue system and component testing, as well as progressing the construction of a second, identical full-scale prototype. This will enhance the VX4’s testing program and demonstration capabilities. After wingborne testing, the VX4 will enter its final phase of transition testing, showcasing its ability to shift between vertical and forward flight modes.
Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, said, “This year has started with incredible momentum, and this phase of testing has given us invaluable insights into our phenomenal aircraft. Each milestone brings us closer to changing how the world moves, and we are taking these learnings forward as we continue advancing our piloted flight test programme. I’m incredibly excited to be on the cusp of another historic moment as we prepare for our most advanced stage of testing yet.”
Simon Davies, Vertical’s Chief Test Pilot, who flew the VX4, added, “This phase of testing allowed us to put the VX4 through key flight manoeuvres in real-world conditions, giving us valuable insights into its reliability and responsiveness under more demanding scenarios. The aircraft performed exceptionally, being just as stable and simple to fly as our simulations.
“It’s incredible to see how far we’ve come—from the first tethered flights just months ago to now successfully completing thrustborne testing. I’m looking forward to the months ahead as we push the flight envelope further and take the next critical steps towards wingborne flight.”
