UK based eVTOL developer Vertical Aerospace have rolled out their second VX-4 prototype. The company says the new aircraft benefits from a number improvements over the earlier version including a 20% increase in power to weight ratio and redesigned propeller/rotors which it says will enable speeds up to 150mph.
At the time of writing, prototype 2 had completed aircraft commissioning, systems testing. The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) as it rigorously evaluates the design and test data prior to granting a Permit to Fly – Vertical had planned to have a flying example on display at next week’s Farnborough Air Show but it appear the sans of time have run out for that high profile debut.
Following Permit issue the company will begin piloted testing of the aircraft at it’s Kemble Flight Test Facility beginning with tethered flights before progressing through untethered hover and low speed rotor borne manoeuvre testing and CTOL flights before concluding with rotor to wing borne transitions.
To accelerate the test programme the company is constructing 3rd aircraft prototype identical to prototype 2 with conforming and pre-production aircraft to follow on benefitting from the data collected with aircraft 2&3.
Photo Vertical Aerospace
