UK electric aircraft developer VRCO has appointed Spain-based aeronautics, space and defense design, engineering and manufacturing company CITD as its sole design and engineering partner for the XP4 and XPC, and has agreed on manufacturing support, flight testing and regional representation for eVTOL training.

The two companies have agreed a design and engineering programme for VRCO's XP4 electric air vehicle and XPC cargo variant, which will also include the deployment of training hardware, essential because of the Xcraft XP4's unique flight deck, and an eVTOL curriculum.

CITD is seeking to maximise opportunities from the emergence of the new segment of electric aircraft.

“We are entering the 'age of airvolution', and in the near future, learning to fly will be accessible, affordable and will provide a strong rewarding career,” says founder and CEO Michael Smith.

VRCO's flying car will be constructed of advanced lightweight composites enhanced with graphene nanomaterials, capable of carrying four people. It will feature detection and avoidance technology with a ballistic parachute and low altitude crash prevention systems, and will be fast-charging and have enhanced range.

XP4 design and concept began in August 2016 and has now moved into the build phase. The company expects to complete the full size build later this year, with operational testing in 2022 and certification beginning in 2023/24. The concept’s feasibility and power optimisation studies were undertaken by the University of Derby’s Institute for Innovation in Sustainable Engineering.