eVTOL start-up Vertical Aerospace Ltd. has successfully completed its first piloted thrustborne flight manoeuvres with its VX4 aircraft. This milestone was achieved after receiving approval from the UK Civil Aviation Authority to expand its Permit to Fly. The flight included various manoeuvres and was piloted by Simon Davies, making Vertical only the second company worldwide to achieve this with a full-scale vectored thrust eVTOL aircraft.
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The VX4 has now progressed from piloted hover flight to low-speed manoeuvres, assessing various performance aspects. Vertical is preparing for the next phase of wingborne flight tests, which will serve as a mini-certification of the prototype.
Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, said: “Starting the year with this milestone is a fantastic achievement and testament to the dedication of our team and partners. Becoming one of only two companies globally to conduct piloted thrustborne flight manoeuvres in a full-scale vectored thrust eVTOL underscores the progress we’re making toward our Flightpath 2030 strategy and our vision to transform the way the world moves.”
To support its flight test programme, Vertical has appointed Tim Eldridge as a test pilot. The company aims to transform travel with its zero-emission eVTOL aircraft and has around 1,500 pre-orders from customers worldwide.
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