Vertical Aerospace announced that it had successfully completed the second stage of piloted thrustborne testing of its full scale VX4 prototype.
During Phase 2, the aircraft completed over thirty piloted test flights. Flight tests included completing successful hover and low speed flight manoeuvres, as well as executing handling and performance procedures including roll, yaw, and spot-turns.E
Engineers were able to collect hundreds of data points to determine the reliability of the aircraft systems, as well as thrust levels, lift efficiency, and power-to-thrust ratio and control responsiveness. These piloted prototype flights experienced no system failures and exceeded expectations for stability and performance.
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,
Vertical’s 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.”