Vertical Aerospace has moved a step closer to the resumption of flight testing, relocating its latest VX4 prototype to its test facility at Cotswold airport in Kemble.

Flight testing of the electric vertical take-off and landing VX4 has been on hold since the first prototype was written off in an August crash while performing an uncrewed sortie at Kemble.

VX4 latest-c-Vertical Aerospace

Source: Vertical Aerospace

Flight testing of eVTOL VX4 should resume later this quarter

Vertical has been assembling the “second-generation” aircraft at the Global Technology Centre of partner GKN Aerospace in Bristol, southwest England.

It says the new prototype – transported as separate wing and fuselage sections – has now arrived at Cotswold airport.

“Over the coming weeks, the final build and commissioning will take place before the new aircraft is handed over to the flight-test team,” says Vertical. It previously said flight testing would resume in the second quarter.

Before the VX4 can get airborne, initially performing tethered flights with a pilot on board, Vertical must first secure a permit to fly from the UK Civil Aviation Authority.

Piloted tests will continue through the spring and summer and will include hover and thrust-borne flight phases.

Dominic Perry is deputy editor of Flight International but also contributes extensively to flightglobal.com. Although specialising in the coverage of the helicopter industry, he has written on most topics in aerospace – be they commercial, defence or business aviation. In addition, there has been an increasing focus on the decarbonisation of the industry and zero-emission flight initiatives.View full Profile

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