Vertical Aerospace has completed a second phase of piloted thrustborne testing for its full-scale VX4 eVTOL prototype. The next phase will see the aircraft move beyond Cotswold Airport’s secure airspace for wingborne flight, a critical step in its path to certification.

Phase 2 saw the VX4 complete over 30 test flights, successfully performing hover, low-speed manoeuvres and control tests such as roll, yaw and spot-turns. Engineers collected extensive data on system reliability, thrust efficiency and responsiveness, with no system failures recorded.

Vertical is now working with the UK Civil Aviation Authority to expand its Permit to Fly, allowing the VX4 to generate lift from its wings instead of its rotors. Vertical CEO Stuart Simpson says: “It's incredible to see how far we've come, from the first tethered flights just months ago to now successfully completing thrustborne testing. I'm looking forward to the months ahead as we push the flight envelope further and take the next critical steps towards wingborne flight.”

Alongside permit approvals, Vertical is developing a second full-scale prototype to speed up the flight test programme. Once wingborne testing is complete, the VX4 will enter its final transition phase to demonstrate a seamless shift between vertical and forward flight.