The World of AAM Draws Closer With Another Testbed Nearing the Test Phase

Vertical Aerospace has shown off the first full-size, 1:1 scale prototype of their VX4 electric VTOL aircraft, pointing the way forward ahead of its flight test program.

The VX4 prototype is a full, operational aircraft, sporting a custom-designed battery and powertrain system built from the start for use in an aircraft. The battery, Vertical says, offers rapid charge time and multiple backup pathways, while being able to meet the performance, safety, and operational requirements of an electric aircraft. The aircraft has already completed systems and aircraft testing and commissioning, and is now in the midst of reviewing its body of documentation ahead of a UK Civil Aviation Authority Permit to Fly. Should the regulator find that the engineering, design, and test data is all in order, they'll give it the go-ahead, and Vertical can then put the prototype through its paces under its uncrewed test flight program.

The prototype has their brand new 'EPU's, or Electronic Propulsion Units, driving their low-noise, carbon-fiber composite propellers. Those too have been optimized for function, performance, and manufacturing, cured in a single-shot process to provide maximum strength throughout their service life. Overall, Vertical says that about 60% of the tech and components on the new prototype come from aerospace partners, up from 10% on their last attempt. That "makes it Vertical's most advanced prototype yet and a step closer to the aircraft that the company will take through to certification."

“Our goal is to build the safest and most advanced aircraft in this new category of transport. With the new full-scale VX4 prototype, which has been built by combining our own world-leading technology with that from leading aerospace partners, we are well on the way to achieving that goal.

“This is a critical step on our road to certification and commercialization and, while there is more to do, the support of our partners and our $6 billion order book shows the trust and confidence the industry has in our outstanding product. We are excited to start our robust, test flight program at our Flight Test Centre as we continue our focus on achieving piloted flight.”

FMI: www.vertical-aerospace.com