As pioneers of zero emissions aviation, Vertical Aerospace, has begun the “wheels up” phase of testing having successfully conducted its first tethered piloted flight of its VX4 prototype.
The flight took place at Cotswold Airport following the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) issuing a Permit to Fly, with Vertical having to submit documentation to the CAA to move through each flight phase, including extensive detailed documentation covering every aspect from safety protocols and engineering specifications to operational procedures. While loosely tethered to the ground, Vertical measured over 20,000 flight and system parameters to verify thrust, handling qualities and system performance of its VX4.
“The first tethered flight of our new VX4 prototype is the result of 14 months of hard work – taking this advanced aircraft all the way from design, through to development and now into the air,” said Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace. “This moment is testament to the skill and commitment of hundreds of talented colleagues in our business who have made our VX4 aircraft the best eVTOL out there.
The next step, following initial tethered flights and permission from the CAA to expand operations, the VX4 will start with further thrustborne flight testing. This will see the VX4 take-off and land vertically and conduct low speed flight manoeuvres with lift generated by the propellers.
Wingborne or conventional flight (CTOL) and the final critical test stage of piltoed transition flight will follow, but only once the CAA’s rigorous approval process has been granted.
“Everyone at Vertical Aerospace remains laser focused on achieving piloted transition as we continue to progress towards our ultimate goal of commercialisation and creating a new legacy for aviation,” added Simpson.
Image credit: Vertical Aerospace first tethered flight of VX4 prototype
