Vertical Marks a New Era of Progress with Successful Pilot Test Completion
Vertical Aerospace (Vertical) [NYSE: EVTL], a leading player in the field of electric aviation, is making significant strides in its development of the VX4, an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The company has successfully concluded the second stage of piloted thrustborne testing with its full-scale VX4 prototype, marking an important milestone in its ongoing flight test program. As Vertical enters the penultimate phase of its development, the VX4 is now preparing to undergo wingborne flight testing, a critical stage that will push the aircraft beyond its previous boundaries and into real-world operational conditions.
This new phase of testing represents a major leap forward in the development of the VX4, as it will no longer be confined to the controlled airspace of Cotswold Airport’s airfield. For the first time, the aircraft will be subjected to the challenges and complexities of real-world flying conditions, providing the company with invaluable data to further refine its design and systems. The progress made so far is a testament to the dedication and expertise of Vertical’s engineering and test flight teams, who have worked tirelessly to bring the VX4 to this point.
The Success of Phase 2: Piloted Thrustborne Testing
The second stage of piloted testing, which was completed successfully, involved over thirty test flights with the VX4 prototype. These flights were crucial in demonstrating the aircraft’s capabilities in key areas, including hover, low-speed maneuvers, and its handling and performance during various flight procedures. These procedures included roll, yaw, and spot-turns, all of which were executed with precision and stability. This phase of testing not only proved the VX4’s ability to fly safely but also provided engineers with a wealth of data on its performance and systems.
Engineers used this data to assess various parameters, such as the aircraft’s thrust levels, lift efficiency, and the all-important power-to-thrust ratio. They also gathered crucial insights into the VX4’s control responsiveness, allowing them to determine how the aircraft would handle in different flight conditions. One of the most encouraging aspects of this phase was that there were no system failures during the test flights. In fact, the VX4 exceeded expectations for both stability and performance, further cementing Vertical’s position as a leader in the emerging eVTOL industry.
This success in the second phase of testing comes on the heels of a strong start to 2025 for Vertical Aerospace. In addition to the successful completion of thrustborne testing, the company has made significant organizational changes, including the appointment of Dómhnal Slattery as the new Chair. Vertical also announced a successful upsized $90 million underwritten public offering, further strengthening its financial position as it moves forward with its ambitious goals.
Momentum Building for the Next Phase
Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, expressed his excitement about the progress made in the testing program. He noted that the completion of thrustborne testing is a pivotal moment in the VX4’s development. “This year has started with incredible momentum,” Simpson said. “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 program.”
Simpson also highlighted the significance of the upcoming wingborne flight phase, which will be the most advanced stage of testing yet. “I’m incredibly excited to be on the cusp of another historic moment as we prepare for our most advanced stage of testing yet,” he added. This enthusiasm is shared by Vertical’s Chief Test Pilot, Simon Davies, who played a key role in the successful thrustborne testing of the VX4.
A Test Pilot’s Perspective
Simon Davies, Vertical’s Chief Test Pilot, shared his insights into the second stage of testing. “This phase of testing allowed us to put the VX4 through key flight maneuvers in real-world conditions, giving us valuable insights into its reliability and responsiveness under more demanding scenarios,” he explained. “The aircraft performed exceptionally, being just as stable and simple to fly as our simulations.”
Davies reflected on the remarkable progress the company has made in a relatively short amount of time. “It’s incredible to see how far we’ve come—from the first tethered flights just months ago to now successfully completing thrustborne testing,” he said. “I’m looking forward to the months ahead as we push the flight envelope further and take the next critical steps towards wingborne flight.” Davies’ comments underscore the impressive pace of development at Vertical Aerospace, which continues to make rapid advancements in electric aviation.
Transitioning to Wingborne Flight
The next step in the VX4’s testing program is wingborne flight, a pivotal phase that will demonstrate the aircraft’s ability to generate lift using its wings rather than its rotors. In this phase, the aircraft will take off, fly, and land in much the same way as a conventional aircraft. This transition represents a major milestone for the VX4, as it will demonstrate the aircraft’s ability to perform like a traditional airplane, rather than relying on its rotors for lift.
Before the VX4 can begin wingborne flight testing, Vertical will need to work with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to expand its current Permit to Fly. Once this expansion is approved, the VX4 will be cleared for wingborne flight, marking a significant step toward full certification. The transition from the controlled test environment to more dynamic and scalable operations will provide a wealth of real-world data, further advancing Vertical’s efforts to achieve full commercial viability.
Successfully completing wingborne flight will be a significant achievement for Vertical Aerospace, as it will essentially mark the completion of a mini-certification process for the VX4 prototype. This will bring the company one step closer to demonstrating the aircraft’s full capabilities and preparing it for entry into the commercial market.
Continued Development and Testing
While Vertical works with the CAA to secure the necessary approvals for wingborne flight, the company will continue to conduct important system and component testing. These tests are critical in ensuring that the aircraft is ready for the more demanding phases of its flight test program. Additionally, Vertical is in the process of developing a second full-scale prototype of the VX4, which will play a crucial role in accelerating the flight test program and expanding the aircraft’s demonstration capabilities.
The development of this new prototype will allow Vertical to gather even more data and fine-tune the VX4’s design. This dual-prototype approach will expedite the testing process and bring the company closer to achieving its goal of certifying the VX4 for commercial use.
The Path Ahead: Final Phase of Transition Testing
Following the successful completion of wingborne flight testing, Vertical will enter the final phase of the VX4’s flight test program: transition testing. This phase will focus on demonstrating the aircraft’s ability to seamlessly switch between vertical and forward flight modes. This capability is essential for the VX4’s commercial viability, as it will allow the aircraft to operate in a wide range of environments, from urban air mobility scenarios to longer-distance flights.
The final transition testing will be the culmination of years of development and testing, and will be a critical step toward bringing the VX4 to market. With each milestone, Vertical is one step closer to revolutionizing air travel and paving the way for the widespread adoption of electric aviation. The company’s commitment to innovation, safety, and performance continues to drive its progress as it works toward its goal of creating a sustainable, efficient, and scalable future for aviation.