Vertical’s new VX4 prototype completes stage 1 of piloted testing
Vertical Aerospace has achieved another significant milestone after its latest VX4 has completed the first phase of its piloted flight test programme at the Vertical Flight Test Centre.
During Phase 1, the VX4 prototype conducted multiple piloted tethered flights and ground runs, across 20 piloted test sorties, completing a total of 70 individual test points.
Together, these tests simulated various aspects of flight and operational situations needed to validate the prototype’s safety in real-world flight scenarios, including those outside of its expected operating conditions. By intentionally testing the aircraft’s ability to handle failures, Vertical demonstrated the underlying safety of its design.
One of the most important tests successfully carried out included simulating the failure of one Electric Propulsion Unit (EPU) – inoperative testing – while in piloted tethered flight, to ensure the aircraft responds correctly and continues to be safe while in flight conditions.
These tests have enabled Vertical engineers to collect and measure 35,000 flight and system parameters and verify that all systems are operating correctly and safely in different conditions ahead of further expanding the flight test envelope to piloted thrustborne flight.
Alongside Phase 1 testing, Vertical’s engineers also completed more advanced low and high-speed taxi tests, including deliberately failing EPUs at high taxi speeds to confirm controllability and safety. This verified ground handling characteristics throughout the taxi envelope, as well as aerodynamic characteristics for increasing speed, while in a safe, ground test environment.
Vertical is continuing to work closely with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on expanding its Permit to Fly as it prepares for Phase 2 of testing which will see the VX4 prototype undergo piloted thrustborne flight tests.
Vertical is currently developing an identical full-scale prototype which will accelerate the VX4’s flight test programme and demonstration capability. The company will take flight test learnings from both prototypes into the design and development of the certified VX4 model.
CEO of Vertical Aerospace, Stuart Simpson, said: “It took us just one week to go from our first ground test to our chief test pilot flying the VX4, and we have been making outstanding progress since then. We continue to prove the safety and performance of our design and technology, which we believe to be market leading.
“Completing this first phase of testing is a significant feat for any eVTOL company and shows the strength of our aircraft, team, and our partners as we progress through our flight test programme and head towards our goal of creating a better way to travel.”
