Vectored Thrust Enables Forward Maneuvers

Vertical Aerospace, a pioneer in electric aviation, announced the testing program of its prototype VX4 took another significant step by completing low-speed forward maneuvers during its first piloted thrustborne flight.

Vertical received approval from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to broaden its Permit to Fly, which enabled the progression from hover to low-speed flight maneuvers at altitude using thrust generated by the VX4’s tilting rotor system. Chief Test Pilot Simon Davies performed roll, yaw, and spot turn maneuvers. Completion of these maneuvers at the company’s Flight Test Centre made Vertical just the second company globally to achieve this critical step using a full-scale vectored thrust eVTOL aircraft.

Thrustborne flight is designed to assess the aircraft’s stability battery efficiency, control characteristics, aerodynamics, and structural and dynamic loads and performance across various speeds. This knowledge enables further assessment of how the VX4 behaves in real-world flight conditions.

Stuart Slimpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace said, “Starting the year with this milestone is a fantastic achievement and testament to the dedication of our team and partners. Becoming one of only two companies globally to conduct piloted thrustborne flight manoeuvres in a full-scale vectored thrust eVTOL underscores the progress we’re making toward our Flightpath 2030 strategy and our vision to transform the way the world moves. The team is now focused on completing this phase while we prepare for the significant next step of wingborne flight.”

FMI:  vertical-aerospace.com/