Vertical Aerospace has completed its first piloted thrustborne flight manoeuvres using its VX4 eVTOL aircraft. This milestone follows the company's gaining approval from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to expand its Permit to Fly, allowing it to transition from hover to low-speed flight manoeuvres at altitude.

The recent flight test involved movements such as roll, yaw and spot turns, all piloted by Simon Davies, Vertical's chief test pilot. The manoeuvres were conducted at Cotswold Airport in Kemble, making Vertical one of only two companies worldwide to achieve this step with a full-scale vectored thrust eVTOL aircraft.

The VX4’s thrustborne testing evaluated its stability, battery efficiency, control characteristics, and performance across speeds, preparing for real-world conditions. Vertical is now focused on the next phase of wingborne flight, working with the CAA to expand its flight envelope and transition to testing beyond airfield boundaries. This will serve as a mini-certification for the prototype ahead of full certification.

Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, says: “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. The team is now focused on completing this phase while we prepare for the significant next step of wingborne flight.”

Vertical’s testing programme is divided into four phases. Phase 1, the tethered phase, involved stabilised hover tests with the aircraft loosely tethered to the ground and has been completed. Phase 2, thrustborne flight, was completed in early January 2025. Phase 3 will transition to wingborne flight, where the VX4 will operate like a conventional aircraft with lift generated by its wing. Finally, Phase 4 will assess the aircraft’s ability to transition between thrustborne and wingborne flight.

Vertical now plans to collaborate with the CAA to further expand its Permit to Fly, leading to Phase 3’s wingborne flight tests. This phase will allow flights outside airfield boundaries and serve as a mini-certification for the prototype, which is essential for obtaining full certification of the VX4. Wingborne flight testing will further validate the VX4’s potential to transform urban air mobility, moving Vertical closer to its goal of redefining global transport by 2030.