Quantcast

Vertical unveils second eVTOL prototype ahead of anticipated flight testing

United Airlines doubles down on Chicago roots with new O'Hare billboards
Gatwick airport strikes, Easter 2025: will my flight be cancelled?
Boarding passes and check-in could be scrapped in air travel shake-up
European air traffic warning means summer delays for holidaymakers
The EU rule change that could affect millions of Brits when their flight is delayed or cancelled
Delta Earnings Land Soon. Why They’re Key for Airline Stocks and the Economy.
Avelo Airlines to Operate Deportation Flights, Hiring Flight Attendants
Travel chaos 2025: all the strikes and disruption expected across Europe
Qatar Airways accelerates Starlink wifi implementation
Southwest Airlines extends flight schedule through early April 2025
Cathay Pacific reaches 3,400 pilots this year, with low resignation rate of 2.9%
United receives FAA approval for first Starlink-equipped planes
Qantas launches mammoth Asia flight sale including Bali and Japan
New Update from Air Canada, WestJet, American Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest, Alaska, JetBlue Airways, and Sunwing: Airline Capacity Between Canada and US Slashed as Bookings Plummet Seventy Per Cent
Delta Cuts Two Domestic Routes
United Airlines Technicians Reject ‘Dead on Arrival’ Contract Proposal, Teamsters Say
The State of the Asia Pacific Airline Industry
Spirit Airlines to add Detroit nonstop flight out of Bradley International Airport
Major airline to launch new direct flights from Scotland to North America
Ryanair launches new ‘prime’ membership which saves passengers more than £400 a year
Judge Orders Boeing to Trial on 737 MAX Case
Qantas’ free international Wi-Fi to switch on from next week
The real reason Southwest is charging for bags now
Air France-KLM in ongoing talks with Air Europa on potential stake, CEO says
Frontier Savagely Shades Southwest After They Eliminated Longstanding Free Bag Policy, Sparking Backlash
Frontier Wants You to 'Divorce Your Old Airline' After Southwest Changes
Delta named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies for sustainability initiatives
Passengers escape fiery American Airlines jet in Denver
Delta, American Dive On Slashed Outlooks; But Two Airlines Rally
Competitors are circling Southwest after the airline announced it's going to start charging for checked bags
Vertical unveils second eVTOL prototype ahead of anticipated flight testing
Policy
Webp 4icawwvtg7mupp051grumj0ndq6y
JSX Aircraft | Official Website

Vertical Aerospace has unveiled its second full-scale prototype of the VX4 eVTOL aircraft, marking a significant milestone ahead of its planned flight testing. The UK-based company released images of the newly completed aircraft on Thursday and announced that it will commence flight tests once the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) grants a permit to fly.

The new prototype incorporates substantial changes from an earlier version used for flight tests since August. Vertical stated that 60% of the technology and components in this latest model have been provided by key partners, including GKN Aerospace, Hanwha, Honeywell, Leonardo, Molicel, and Synesqo.

A notable update is the redesigned propeller system. This change stems from lessons learned following an accident on August 9, 2023, which severely damaged the first prototype. According to Vertical, the aerodynamic shape of the new propellers is optimized for both hover and cruise phases by balancing their distinct requirements.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Rolls-Royce is no longer supplying the electric propulsion system for the VX4 after selling its electrical division last year. Vertical has turned to other undisclosed suppliers for this component and developed new battery technology in-house at its Vertical Energy Centre in Bristol.

Vertical reports that the second prototype boasts a 20% increase in power-to-weight ratio. This enhancement will allow the all-electric aircraft to achieve speeds up to 130 knots—the target cruise speed for its certification version designed to carry four passengers.

The operational range of the aircraft is projected to be up to 87 nautical miles. For early routes, typical flight times are estimated at eight minutes from Battersea heliport in central London to Heathrow Airport and eleven minutes from Miami to Fort Lauderdale.

Having completed ground tests and commissioning procedures, Vertical is collaborating with CAA officials on evaluating engineering design and test data necessary for obtaining a permit to fly.

Flight testing will occur at Vertical’s Flight Test Centre located at Kemble Airport in West England. The company aims to complete UK and EASA type certification by 2026.

“This is a critical step on our road to certification and commercialization,” said Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace. “While there is more to do, the support of our partners and our $6 billion order book shows the trust and confidence the industry has in our outstanding product.” He added that they are eager to begin their comprehensive test flight program focusing on achieving piloted flights.

Prospective operators for the VX4 include helicopter operator Bristow as well as major airlines such as American Airlines, Virgin Atlantic Airways Ltd., and Japan Airlines Co., Ltd.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Alaska Air Group Inc., the parent company of Alaska Airlines Inc., Hawaiian Airlines Inc., and Horizon Air Industries Inc., is set to present its financial results for the first quarter of 2025.

Apr 24, 2025

On April 22, Earth Day is observed as a time to honor the planet and acknowledge the power individuals have to protect it.

Apr 23, 2025

Flying Food Group has been recognized for its commitment to sustainability with a reforestation certificate from Flex Technology Group.

Apr 23, 2025

From October 2025, Lufthansa Group, in partnership with Visa, is set to introduce a new online payment option called 'Click to Pay' on the booking portals of its airlines—Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, and Brussels Airlines.

Apr 23, 2025

Emirates is making strides in accessible travel initiatives as part of its operational strategy.

Apr 23, 2025

Flight attendant Ali Bahreman has petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to consider his case challenging a contract that barred him from using his seniority to bid on flight assignments due to his refusal to join the Transportation Workers Union (TWU).

Apr 23, 2025