Vertical Aerospace shows off most advanced and powerful full-scale VX4 prototype ahead of flight test programme

Vertical Aerospace, a global aerospace and technology company that is pioneering zero emissions aviation, today unveiled its next-generation full-scale VX4 prototype, the only electric take-off and landing vehicle (eVTOL) designed, built and assembled in the UK.

This next-generation VX4 is more powerful than the previous full-scale prototype, with an impressive 20% increase in the power-to-weight ratio, enabling the aircraft to reach speeds of up to 150mph – the certification aircraft’s intended cruise speed.

The aircraft has been designed and built alongside global aerospace partners, including GKN Aerospace, Honeywell, Hanwha, Molicel, Leonardo and Syensqo. It features Vertical’s next generation propellers and new proprietary battery technology, designed and manufactured at its multi-million pound state-of-the-art Vertical Energy Centre near Bristol, the UK’s most advanced aerospace battery facility.

The new VX4 prototype has successfully completed systems and aircraft testing and commissioning. Vertical is now working closely with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) as it rigorously evaluates the engineering, design, test data and aircraft ahead of issuing a Permit to Fly, effectively conducting a “mini certification” programme. Vertical will then begin a robust flight test programme at the Vertical Flight Test Centre, with a focus on achieving piloted flight.

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.

Key new features of the latest full-scale VX4 prototype:

Aerospace partner technology and certification expertise – 60% of the technology and components included on the latest aircraft are from world leading aerospace partners, up from 10% on the previous prototype. This makes it Vertical’s most advanced prototype yet and a step closer to the aircraft that the company will take through to certification.

First use of battery designed and built for aviation – This battery and powertrain system, developed at the Vertical Energy Centre, is the most powerful and lightest yet, has rapid charge time and multiple backup power sources. The VX4’s batteries are designed to meet the performance, safety, operational and commercial requirements of eVTOL and it is the first time its own proprietary batteries have been used on a full-scale prototype. The electronics, software and design of the battery have all been developed in house and the new aircraft includes new, more powerful Electronic Propulsion Units.

Next generation propellers – Vertical’s new proprietary propellers designed specifically for eVTOLs are optimised for low noise and made of carbon fibre composite using a single-shot cure process to maximise integrity. The aerodynamic shape has been specifically designed to maximise performance across both hover and cruise by deconflicting the requirements of each phase of flight.

Stuart Simpson, Chief Executive Officer, Vertical, commented:  “Our goal is to build the safest and most advanced aircraft in this new category of transport. With the new full-scale VX4 prototype, which has been built by combining our own world-leading technology with that from leading aerospace partners, we are well on the way to achieving that goal.

This is a critical step on our road to certification and commercialisation and, while there is more to do, the support of our partners and our $6 billion order book shows the trust and confidence the industry has in our outstanding product. We are excited to start our robust, test flight programme at our Flight Test Centre as we continue our focus on achieving piloted flight.”

Dave Stepanek, Executive Vice President, Chief Transformation Officer, Bristow Group:  “As one of the world’s largest helicopter operators, we’re excited to be collaborating with Vertical as they work to bring the VX4 to market. We are delighted to see the progress being made with this latest prototype.”

David Shilliday, Vice President and General Manager, Unmanned Aerial Systems / Urban Air Mobility, Honeywell Aerospace Technologies:  "The VX4 is testament to what can be achieved when industry leaders join forces to pioneer the future of air mobility. This electric aircraft benefits from the Honeywell Anthem flight deck and software, as well as a state-of-the-art fly-by-wire system. This enables the pilot or autopilot to manoeuvre the aircraft safely and simply, ensuring a smooth journey.”

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Vertical’s leading aerospace partners:

• Honeywell – Vertical is collaborating with Honeywell on the ‘brains’ of the aircraft. It provides flight control computers, avionics and flight control software. The flight control system enables the pilot or autopilot to manoeuvre the aircraft safely and simply, and Honeywell’s Anthem Avionics suite includes the displays and electronic hardware.
• Hanwha - Hanwha Aerospace is Korea’s leading private aerospace company with a broad portfolio ranging from space to jet engines and brings long-established aerospace technology and flight-critical actuator systems expertise. It provides all the VX4 electro-mechanical actuators and mechanisms including tilt and pitch change for the front propellers and aerodynamic control surface actuators.
• Leonardo – As well as being a leading helicopter manufacturer, Leonardo was one of the pioneers in composite fuselage manufacture, making the most complex sections on the Boeing 787. Leonardo has manufactured the composite fuselage and pylons for the VX4 Prototype.
• Syensqo - Syensqo (formerly Solvay) is one of three major aerospace composite manufacturers, their composite material has been used for the VX4 prototypes.
• GKN – GKN specialises in composite wings and empennages and has provided Electrical Wiring Interconnection Systems (wiring harness) on all the VX4 prototypes.
• Molicel – Molicel has spent decades developing high performance Lithium-Ion cylindrical cells and its latest P45 battery cell will power the VX4. It is already in mass manufacture, critical for the VX4 to achieve certification.
• Dassault Systèmes - Provides the leading integrated aircraft design software used by all major airframers.

Piloted flight test programme explainer:

1. Tethered: the VX4 will perform stabilised hover while loosely tethered to the ground.
2. Untethered: the VX4 will hover without a tether.
3. Thrustborne: the VX4 will take-off and land vertically and conduct low speed flight manoeuvres with lift generated by the propellers.
4. Wingborne: the VX4 will take-off, fly and land like a conventional aircraft, with lift generated by the wing.
5. Transition: The VX4 will transition between thrustbourne and wingbourne flight, and vice versa.