Vertical Aerospace has carried out the world’s first airport-to-airport flight of a piloted, full-scale winged tiltrotor eVTOL built for commercial use. Its VX4 prototype flew from Cotswold Airport to RAF Fairford on 16 July, reaching speeds of 115mph and climbing to 1,800ft.

The 17-mile journey followed UK CAA authorisation under Flight Conditions and Permit to Fly. It marked the aircraft’s first arrival at a public location and will see the VX4 displayed at the Royal International Air Tattoo from 18–20 July.

Vertical says the flight helped demonstrate real-world airport compatibility as it progresses towards certification. Chief test pilot Simon Davies, who flew the aircraft, says: “Flying the VX4 from airport to airport is a major milestone and a powerful demonstration of the real-world capability of the aircraft. To bring it to RIAT, among some of the world's most advanced military aircraft, is a proud moment and a powerful signal of the role that a new generation of aircraft will play in defence and special mission operations.”

The VX4 is the only electric aircraft on display at RIAT 2025. Vertical is using the event to promote its hybrid-electric variant, which has been in development for 18 months and is expected to begin flight tests in Q2 2026. Certification for the VX4 is targeted for 2028.

Vertical CEO Stuart Simpson says: “RIAT is a global stage for the most advanced, mission-ready aerospace technology and we're proud to showcase how electric aviation will support the future of defence. Our hybrid-electric roadmap unlocks new capabilities for military operations and Vertical's RIAT presence reinforces our commitment to playing a meaningful role in the future of military and special mission aviation.”

The hybrid-electric version will increase range to 1,000 miles and support payloads of up to 1,100kg. Configurations for crewed and uncrewed operations are planned, and the company says integration with Honeywell’s flight control system will enable autonomous deployment.

RIAT is organised by the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust and draws over 200,000 visitors. Peter Reoch, head of air operations, says: “Great to see Vertical Aerospace and its prototype aircraft, which is based at Cotswold Airport, showing the innovation of aviation. It will be on static display for all three days at this year’s Royal International Air Tattoo and will show visitors the future of sustainable aviation and electric powered flight.”