Vertical Aerospace recommences test campaign with new aircraft
Vertical Aerospace has restarted the flight test campaign of its VX4 aircraft, using a newly unveiled prototype; the British eVTOL developer’s most advanced design to date.
Initial powered ground tests of its latest-generation craft – the build of which was recently completed – include the successful completion of propellor balancing, an exercise to measure the weight distribution of each blade and subsequently ensure “vibrations are minimised for smooth, stable flying”. With propulsion system and battery pack testing to follow “over the coming days,” Vertical will then move onto tethered flight test elements.
“Every day we are seeing amazing progress from our team at our Flight Test Centre,” commented David King, chief engineer at Vertical. “We continue to work alongside our regulator to develop the safest and most advanced eVTOL aircraft in the world”.
Although Vertical had initially been hoping to participate in the flying display at this week’s Farnborough International Airshow, the company acknowledged that it was prudent to concentrate its efforts behind the scenes. “As the aerospace world meets in Farnborough this week, we could not be prouder of the team and look forward to sharing more of our progress towards piloted flights,” concluded King.
Although propeller balancing is an essential element of preparing the aircraft to fly, Vertical has experienced issues with its propellers in the past. In August 2023, Vertical’s first test aircraft was written off following an incident with its early-generation propellers, with the company having stated that it had already taken the decision to move suppliers. “This early generation propeller had already been redesigned prior to the incident, with the issue fully resolved ahead of the next phase of testing.”
