Vertical Aerospace Ltd. (NYSE: EVTL) has completed a key phase in its flight testing program. The aerospace innovator has now successfully completed its first piloted thrustborne flight manoeuvres.
This marking a significant advance in its testing program and demonstrates the company’s rapid progress in developing sustainable air transportation solutions.
Following approval from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to expand its Permit to Fly, Vertical’s Chief Test Pilot Simon Davies executed roll, yaw, and spot turn manoeuvres at altitude.
This progression moved beyond the initial piloted thrustborne hover to include low speed flight maneuvers. It demonstrated the aircraft’s precise control capabilities and stability in various flight conditions.
Major Step Accomplished
This achievement places Vertical in an elite group. This makes it just the second company worldwide to accomplish piloted thrustborne maneuvers using a full-scale vectored thrust eVTOL aircraft.
The achievement cements Vertical Aerospace’s position at the forefront of electric aviation development and highlights its commitment to rigorous safety standards.
“Starting the year with this milestone shows incredible progress,” said Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace.
“By joining the small group of companies that have conducted piloted thrustborne flight maneuvers with a full scale vectored thrust eVTOL, we’re advancing steadily toward our Flightpath 2030 strategy.”
“Our vision to revolutionize transportation is becoming reality. Now, we’re focusing on completing this phase while preparing for the crucial next step – wingborne flight.”
4 Phases of VX4 Test Program
The comprehensive VX4 test program consists of four key phases, each designed to validate different aspects of the aircraft’s performance and safety features:
Phase 1 – Tethered: The aircraft performs stabilized hover while lightly tethered to the ground. This allows engineers to assess basic flight characteristics and systems functionality (Completed)
Phase 2 – Thrustborne: The aircraft conducts vertical takeoffs and landings, plus low speed manoeuvres using propeller generated lift. This stage tests its ability to maintain stable flight in various conditions (Currently underway)
Phase 3 – Wingborne: The aircraft operates like a traditional plane, taking off, flying, and landing using wing generated lift. This demonstrates its capability for efficient longer range flight
Phase 4 – Transition: The aircraft switches between thrustborne and wingborne flight modes, proving its versatility in different flight configurations
Latest Phase 2 Flight
During the latest thrustborne flights, the VX4 demonstrated controlled low speed maneuvers using propeller lift.
These comprehensive tests evaluate multiple critical factors. These involve aircraft stability, battery performance, control response, aerodynamic behavior, and structural loads under real flight conditions. The data collected during these tests provides valuable insights for further refinement of the aircraft’s design and control systems.
Preparation for Phase 3 Tests
Vertical continues working closely with the CAA to expand its Permit to Fly, preparing for Phase 3 wingborne testing.
This upcoming phase will involve flights beyond airfield boundaries. This serves as a preliminary certification step for the prototype aircraft. It effectively paves the way toward full VX4 certification and eventual commercial operations.
To strengthen its testing capabilities, Vertical welcomed Tim Eldridge as test pilot. Eldridge brings over 20 years of Royal Navy flight testing experience, including extensive work with Sea King, Merlin, Chinook, and Lynx aircraft.
His impressive background includes roles at Babcock (Vertical’s Emergency Medical Services partner), QinetiQ, and Airbus Helicopters.
His presence further enhances the company’s flight testing expertise and reinforcing its commitment to safety and innovation in electric aviation.
The successful completion of these flight tests represents a significant milestone in Vertical’s journey toward revolutionizing urban air mobility and establishing new standards in sustainable aviation technology.
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