VX4 eVTOL Makes Landmark First Crewed Test Flight The past weekend saw Vertical Aerospace have their full-scale and piloted Vertical VX4 eVTOL take off for the first time. This also made Vertical Aerospace the first British-based company to conduct flight test on a new design in 20 years. Vertical Aerospace engineers and flight technicians monitored as Chief Test Pilot, Justin Paines, took to the controls for the aircraft’s maiden take-off. The eight sets of aerodynamic propellers lifted the aircraft from the ground at hover-thrust intensity while tethered to the ground for additional safety with the test pilot onboard.
Vertical Aerospace Chief Test Pilot, Justin Paines commented: 'This test represented the culmination of many months preparation by a huge team and being at the controls of the VX4 for the first time was an honour and a proud moment for us all." In order to have a test pilot onboard an in-development aircraft the company had to meet stringent parameters and receive approvals in the form of a 'Permit to Fly' from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), after demonstrating the test could be conducted safely. This paves the way for the intensification of the test program to march towards certification in 2025. For more information: Vertical Aerospace Group Ltd. Unit 1, Camwal Court, Chapel Street Bristol, BS2 0UW www.vertical-aerospace.com ***
