Piloted Full-Scale, VX4 Winged eVTOL Prototype For Commercial Ops

Vertical Aerospace, a global aerospace company based in Bristol, England, that is developing electric aviation, announced it completed the world’s first airport-to-airport flight of a piloted full-scale, winged tilt-rotor eVTOL aircraft designed for commercial service.

After receiving its Flight Conditions and Permit to Fly approvals from the UK Civil Aviation Authority or CAA, the VX 4 prototype flew from the vertical Flight Test Center at Cotswold Airport to RAF Fairford, an RAF Base also used by the U.S. Air Force.

The flight was seen by a few thousand aircraft enthusiasts and reached speeds of up to 115 mph at an altitude of 1,800 feet. The flight landed at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), the world’s largest military air show, where it will be on display from July 18-20. The landing was the aircraft’s first at a public location.

The flight demonstrated that such aircraft easily integrate with conventional real-world airport operations and also builds momentum toward certification and operational deployment.

Simon Davies, Chief Test Pilot for Vertical, was at the controls of the full scale VX4 prototype for this flight and said, “Flying the VX4 from airport to airport is a major milestone, and a powerful demonstration of the real-world capability of the aircraft. To bring it to RIAT, among some of the world’s most advanced military aircraft, is a proud moment – and a powerful signal of the role that a new generation of aircraft will play in defense and special mission operations.”

The VX4 was the only electric aircraft present and on display at RIAT 2025 as part of the company’s wider strategy to open new hybrid-electric applications in defense, logistics, and special missions segments.

Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace said, “RIAT is a global stage for the most advanced, mission-ready aerospace technology, and we’re proud to showcase how electric aviation will support the future of defense. Our hybrid-electric roadmap unlocks new capabilities for military operations, and Vertical’s RIAT presence reinforces our commitment to playing a meaningful role in the future of military and special mission aviation.”

FMI:  vertical-aerospace.com/