Joins Test Fleet In Early 2026, Enables Public Demo Flights

Vertical Aerospace, developer of electric aviation aircraft, announced the completion of its third and final full-scale prototype aircraft and will begin a piloted flight test campaign after its commissioning in January 2026.

The aircraft is an exact copy of Vertical’s existing full-scale prototype that is finishing transition flight testing at its UK Flight Test Centre.

This final prototype aircraft will double the capacity of its flight test campaign as well as be available for public demo flights in 2026. It integrates advanced systems from Vertical’s partners including Honeywell, Molicel, and Syensqo.

The aircraft will initially be used for all-electric testing and then be retrofitted for hybrid-electric testing during 2026.

Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace said, “As we look ahead to 2026, the addition of our final prototype marks an important step in closing out our prototype flight test programme and maintaining momentum towards commercialization. Our test pilots are eager to get this aircraft into the air.”

This announcement comes after Vertical’s recent revealing of Valo, its next-generation certification aircraft scheduled to enter commercial service following certification in 2028. The certification program will include the production of seven Valo aircraft in the UK to support final testing with the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and EASA, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency.

Vertical also intends to conduct a tour of the U.S. with the Valo in 2026 beginning in New York City in January. The purpose of the tour is to showcase the aircraft to customers, partners, and stakeholders.

FMI:  vertical-aerospace.com/