Aircraft Completes First Untethered, Piloted Thrustborne Trial

Vertical Aerospace has kicked off the second testing phase for its VX4 electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) prototype. This follows a recent expansion from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to Vertical’s Permit to Fly.

Phase 2 will include untethered, piloted thrustborne testing. The VX4 has already completed its first Phase 2 trial, with Vertical reporting that it “surpassed expectations in hover performance, control, and stability.” It will now attempt low-speed maneuvers at the Vertical Flight Test Centre at Cotswolds Airport in the UK.

“The aircraft performed absolutely brilliantly, and was really stable in the hover,” stated Simon Davies, Vertical’s Chief Test Pilot. “The flight controls felt good, and it’s great to have the tethers off. Everything on the aircraft worked perfectly - no surprises, nice and boring - a great test flight.”

Thrustborne flight is when the vehicle is being held off the ground by downward thrust. These demonstrations aim to evaluate the stability, efficiency, flight characteristics, loads, and performance data of VTOL aircraft.

Vertical announced the VX4’s completion of Phase 1 testing on September 12. It demonstrated the ability to maintain a stabilized hover while tethered to the ground. The aircraft also successfully performed a simulated Electric Propulsion Unit (EPU) failure to look for any quirks. In total, the phase included 70 individual test points across 20 piloted missions.

Before moving into phase two testing, Vertical’s Permit to Fly was expanded by the UK CAA. The aerospace manufacturer submitted system and structure validations, Phase 1 data, protocols, specifications, and operating procedures to verify the VX4’s safety.

Vertical will continue working with the CAA to further extend its Permit to Fly for Phase 3 testing. This phase will include wingborne takeoff, flight, and landing. After this is completed, Phase 4 will demonstrate the VX4’s ability to transition between thrustborne and wingborne flight.

The Vertical VX4 is a piloted eVTOL capable of carrying one pilot and four passengers. It produces zero operating emissions and can fly for up to 100 miles on one charge.

FMI: www.vertical-aerospace.com