Over 30 Piloted Flights Executed Since Early January

Verical Aerospace announced on February 4, 2025, the successful completion of Phase 2 of its piloted flight test program for its VX4 eVTOL aircraft, including vertical takeoff and hovering, and low-speed maneuvers over a small defined area.

Vertical began Phase 2 testing in early January and has performed over 30 piloted flights during this phase.

Coming up next for Vertical will be piloted wingborne flight testing, which involves the aircraft being flown as a conventional airplane taking off, cruising, and landing horizontally using the aircraft’s wings to generate lift.

Advancing to the next, and penultimate, phase will require the expansion of Vertical’s Permit to Fly from Britain’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). After successful completion of wingborne flight, Vertical will have achieved a milestone step in certification of the vehicle. The final stage of flight testing will be transition flight, in which the VX4 takes off vertically and transitions from vertical to forward flight.

Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace said, “This year has started with incredible momentum, and this phase of testing has given us invaluable insights into our phenomenal aircraft. Each milestone brings us closer to changing how the world moves, and we are taking these learnings forward as we continue advancing our piloted flight test programme. I’m incredibly excited to be on the cusp of another historic moment as we prepare for our most advanced stage of testing yet.

Simon Davies, Chief Test Pilot who flew the VX4 said, “This phase of testing allowed us to put the VX4 through key flight manoeuvres in real-world conditions, giving us valuable insights into its reliability and responsiveness under more demanding scenarios. The aircraft performed exceptionally, being just as stable and simple to fly as our simulations.

“It’s incredible to see how far we’ve come—from the first tethered flights just months ago to now successfully completing thrustborne testing. I’m looking forward to the months ahead as we push the flight envelope further and take the next critical steps towards wingborne flight.”

FMI:  vertical-aerospace.com/