Vertical Aerospace is expecting to commercially release its self-produced eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing aircraft) in 2026. eVTOLs are a type of aircraft that use electric power for vertical navigation, take-off, and landing. This technological advancement, which is rapidly trying to integrate into our lives, has reached another milestone. The Bristol-based company successfully conducted a test flight with its flying taxi.

Vertical Aerospace made a test flight with its flying taxi

Vertical Aerospace’s electric urban air taxi marked an important milestone for the Bristol-based venture as it completed its first test flight. The flight took place on Wednesday at Cotswold Airport in the southwest of England, where the company’s eVTOL, the VX4, flew at a speed of approximately 70 km/h or 40 knots. The company released the following video related to the flight.

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According to the company, the aircraft was remotely controlled and reached the targeted speed solely using its battery propulsion system. It successfully achieved take-off, hovering, flying, and landing. Vertical Aerospace, founded by British entrepreneur Stephen Fitzpatrick, entered the eVTOL world in 2016 with a vision to electrify urban air mobility.

The VX4 draws power from eight electric motors mounted on its movable nacelles. The aircraft’s 1MW transmission system was developed in collaboration with Rolls-Royce. The eVTOL also boasts a maximum speed of 322 km/h and a range of 161 km. As an air taxi, the aircraft can carry a total of five people, including the pilot. Moreover, it can be used as a medivac (medical evacuation) or cargo aircraft.

The VX4 is expected to receive approval from the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority by 2026, when Vertical Aerospace aims to deliver its first eVTOLs. The venture has received a total of 1,400 pre-orders from airlines, operators, and leasing companies, which is seen as a promising figure for the company, considering there are still three years until 2026.

Notably, among the companies placing orders are major global players in the industry, such as American Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Air Asia, and Japan Airlines. Vertical Aerospace stated that it will increase the number of test flights and also plans to develop a more advanced second prototype in terms of technology.

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