Vertical Aerospace’s VX4 achieves milestone with first Tethered Flight, following CAA approval and extensive ground testing.
Vertical Aerospace, has announced its VX4 prototype’s first tethered piloted flight. This flight marks the beginning of the “wheels up” testing phase. During the test, the VX4 was loosely tethered to the ground. Vertical Aerospace measured over 20,000 flight and system parameters. This data was used to verify thrust, handling qualities, and overall system performance.
The tethered piloted flight occurred following the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) issuing a Permit to Fly for Vertical’s VX4 prototype. The CAA had rigorously evaluated the engineering, design, test data, and aircraft. This evaluation effectively served as a “mini certification” program for the aircraft.
Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, said, “The first tethered flight of our new VX4 prototype is the result of 14 months of hard work – taking this advanced aircraft all the way from design, through to development and now into the air. This moment is testament to the skill and commitment of hundreds of talented colleagues in our business who have made our VX4 aircraft the best eVTOL out there. Everyone at Vertical Aerospace remains laser focused on achieving piloted transition as we continue to progress towards our ultimate goal of commercialisation and creating a new legacy for aviation.”
Vertical Aerospace is required to submit documentation to the CAA for each flight phase. This documentation includes detailed safety protocols, engineering specifications, and operational procedures.
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Ahead of today’s first tethered flight, the VX4 has completed extensive ground testing this week. This testing included powered propulsion evaluations of its advanced powertrain. The powertrain features proprietary battery packs designed at the state-of-the-art Vertical Energy Centre. These battery packs deliver 1.4 MW of peak power.
Q. – What milestone has Vertical Aerospace achieved with the VX4?
A. – First tethered piloted flight.
Q. – What marks the beginning of the “wheels up” testing phase?
A. – The first tethered piloted flight.
