Following on from the completion of its ground test programme announced last week, Vertical Aerospace has reported the first tethered flight of its latest VX4 prototype.
Vertical’s Chief Test Pilot, Justin Paines, conducts the new VX4’s first hover at 17:45 BST on 25 July 2024. Photo: Business Wire
This VX4 performed a piloted flight while loosely tethered to the ground, during which over 20,000 flight and system parameters were monitored to verify thrust, handling qualities and system performance.
Following initial tethered flights and UK CAA approval, the VX4 will enter the next phase of testing, which will start with further thrustborne flight testing.
Wingborne or conventional flight (CTOL) and the final critical test stage of piloted transition flight will follow only once the CAA has rigorously approved this final phase of testing.
Speaking about the flight, Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, said: “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. 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.”
