Skip to main content
Home

Gerane

Main navigation

  • Home
  • Cars
  • Trucks
  • Vans
  • Business
  • Tech
  • News
User account menu
  • Contact

Breadcrumb

  1. Home
  2. Vertical Aerospace
  3. Vertical Aerospace VX4 Completes First Piloted Wingborne eVTOL Flight

Vertical Aerospace VX4 Completes First Piloted Wingborne eVTOL Flight

Vertical Aerospace VX4 Completes First Piloted Wingborne eVTOL Flight

Introduction: A First for the Industry

Vertical Aerospace's VX4 has completed its first piloted wingborne flight in open airspace—an industry milestone. The test took place on May 22, 2025, at Cotswold Airport in the United Kingdom, following approval from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). This is the first time an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft has operated wingborne in regulated European airspace.

Aircraft Overview: Vertical Aerospace VX4

SpecificationDetail
Seating Capacity1 pilot + 4 passengers
Top Speed150 mph (240 km/h)
Cruise AltitudeUp to 2,000 feet
Range100 miles (160 km)
Noise OutputApproximately 50 dBA during cruise
Propulsion System8 electrically driven propellers
EmissionsZero in-transit CO₂ emissions
Expected Market PriceApprox. $3 million USD

Flight Test Results: First Real-World Wingborne Mission

The flight was piloted by Simon Davies, Vertical’s Chief Test Pilot, a former Royal Air Force instructor with over 30 years of flight experience. The aircraft took off vertically, transitioned to forward flight using wing lift, and landed safely—all under open-air conditions.

  • Flight Altitude: Approached 2,000 feet
  • Speed Achieved: Up to 150 mph
  • Flight Duration: Undisclosed, but sufficient for full system validation
  • Conditions: Non-simulated, real-world weather and airspace

Vertical Aerospace collected over 30,000 data points in-flight, testing energy consumption, aerodynamics, avionics, and control stability. Engineers confirmed that battery draw, propeller thrust, and flight computer response times met performance benchmarks.

Vertical Aerospace VX4
Vertical Aerospace VX4
Vertical Aerospace VX4
Vertical Aerospace VX4
Video

Design Engineering: Focus on Redundancy and Safety

The Vertical Aerospace VX4 features a high-mounted wing and V-tail for aerodynamic efficiency. Eight rotors offer Distributed Electric Propulsion, meaning no single point of failure can compromise lift. This design enables:

  • Shorter takeoff times
  • Built-in failover if a motor loses power
  • Lower noise during cruise and hover

Honeywell’s fly-by-wire system manages thrust vectoring, control surfaces, and flight stabilization. The VX4 also uses custom battery modules engineered for rapid cooling and high thermal resistance.

Unlike ducted fan eVTOLs, the VX4 prioritizes open rotor design for weight savings and higher thrust-to-weight ratio.

Regulatory Path: Civil Aviation Authority Involvement

The UK CAA granted Vertical Aerospace Design Organisation Approval (DOA). This allows it to conduct flight tests toward a Type Certificate, which is mandatory for passenger transport licensing.

Vertical is the only eVTOL developer in Europe currently conducting piloted wingborne tests under open airspace conditions. This regulatory head start may significantly impact timelines for commercial rollout.

Next target: A full mid-air transition flight—switching from vertical to wingborne flight—planned for Q3 2025.

Commercial Pipeline: Orders and Market Forecast

Vertical Aerospace has secured over 1,500 conditional preorders for the VX4. Buyers include:

  • American Airlines
  • Virgin Atlantic
  • Avolon
  • Marubeni Corporation

These preorders come with option agreements, not firm deliveries. The company is working toward initial production in 2026 and first deliveries by 2028.

The VX4 targets urban air mobility, intercity transfers, and short-range commercial shuttles in congested metro areas. Flight range and recharging cycles are tailored for high-frequency, low-distance operations.

Market Outlook: What's Next?

Vertical plans to test a hybrid-electric VX4 variant in 2026. This version will:

  • Increase range to over 300 miles (480 km)
  • Reduce recharge times between flights
  • Broaden market access in regions without charging infrastructure

This hybrid platform will compete with Beta Technologies’ Alia-250, Joby S4, and Archer Midnight, all of which are vying for early adoption in U.S. and European airspace.

By 2030, Vertical projects VX4 production volumes to reach hundreds of units annually, driven by contracts with aviation operators and air taxi services.

Image gallery:
Vertical Aerospace VX4
Vertical Aerospace VX4
Vertical Aerospace VX4
Vertical Aerospace VX4

Conclusion: Data-Driven Progress

The first wingborne piloted flight of the Vertical Aerospace VX4 marks a turning point for electric aviation. With over 30,000 validated test parameters and strong regulatory backing, the VX4 is on track for certification.

If future tests meet their targets, Vertical could be the first UK-based company to launch a fully certified eVTOL for commercial passenger use.

No hype. Just results.

Brand

  • Vertical Aerospace

Category

  • Aircraft

Tags

  • Vertical Aerospace VX4
  • VX4 flight test
  • Electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL)
  • Electric air taxi
  • Electric vehicles (EVs)
  • eVTOL certification
  • VX4 specifications
  • Hybrid-electric eVTOL
  • Piloted wingborne eVTOL

Country

  • United Kingdom
  • Add new comment
  • 2 views
Gerane
By Gerane , 27 May, 2025

Similar News

The Future of Personal Air Travel: Doroni H1-X Electric Flying Car

The Future of Personal Air Travel: Doroni H1-X Electric Flying Car

Doroni Aerospace

Doroni H1-X

Doroni H1-X is a new electric flying car that promises to revolutionize personal air travel. The vehicle, which looks like a sleek sports car with retractable wings, can take off and… Continue reading...

Xpeng Aeroht Flying Car: From Road to Sky

Xpeng Aeroht Flying Car: From Road to Sky

Xpeng

Xpeng Aeroht flying car

Xpeng Aeroht, a subsidiary of the prominent Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer XPeng, is making waves in the transportation industry with its revolutionary flying car. This… Continue reading...

DJI Mini 4 Pro Drone: The Ultimate Sub-250g Flyer?

DJI Mini 4 Pro Drone: The Ultimate Sub-250g Flyer?

DJI

DJI Mini 4 Pro

The DJI Mini 4 Pro drone is the latest addition to the popular Mini series, which offers impressive performance and features in a compact and lightweight package. The Mini… Continue reading...

Revolutionising waste management: A closer look at the Scania 25 P hook loader for urban use

Scania P 25

Scania

Scania 25 P

The waste management company Münster is making waves in the industry by integrating sustainable and flexible vehicle solutions into their fleet. One such vehicle that is currently… Continue reading...

Peugeot e-Rifter: The Perfect Electric Minivan for City and Camping Adventures

Peugeot e-Rifter: The Perfect Electric Minivan for City and Camping Adventures

Peugeot

Peugeot e-Rifter

The world of electric vehicles (EVs) is rapidly expanding, and automakers are branching out beyond city cars and sedans into more adventurous sectors. Peugeot, with… Continue reading...

The Toyota Proace CITY Electric has a starting price of 29,400 euros

Toyota Proace City Electric

Toyota

Toyota Proace CITY Electric

An electric van can travel even in city centers for last-mile co-delivery and the same practicality as a 2-thermal model. As a result, electric vehicles are establishing themselves as one of the most… Continue reading...

Alfa Romeo Tonale: The Stylish EV That Joined the Carabinieri on Republic Day

Alfa Romeo Tonale

Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeo Tonale

Alfa Romeo is known for its sporty and stylish cars, but its latest model also showcases electric vehicle technology. The Alfa Romeo… Continue reading...

0-60 in 3.4 Seconds: All-Electric 2024 Jeep Wagoneer S Blurs Performance Lines

2024 Jeep Wagoneer S

Jeep

Jeep Wagoneer S

Jeep enthusiasts, brace yourselves for a revolution. The iconic brand known for its rugged, go-anywhere vehicles is entering the exciting world of electric SUVs with the all-… Continue reading...

Mahindra XEV 9e Electric SUV: Insights on Price, Performance, and Charging

Mahindra XEV 9e Electric SUV

Mahindra

Mahindra XEV 9e

The Mahindra XEV 9e concept has stirred fresh attention in the electric vehicle market. It reflects Mahindra's vision for cleaner transport and… Continue reading...

The Candela P-12 electric ferry will arrive in 2022

Candela P-12 electric ferry

Candela

Candela P-12

Candela is a Swedish electric boat startup that wants to hasten the transition to fossil-fuel-free lakes and oceans. Candela's vessels consume up to 80% less energy at high speeds… Continue reading...

Citroen My Ami Pop: An Electric Micro-Car that You Can Drive Without a License

Citroen My Ami Pop

Citroen

Citroen My Ami Pop

Citroën, the French automaker known for its innovative and quirky designs, has recently unveiled its latest creation: the Citroen My Ami Pop. This electric micro-car is a refreshed… Continue reading...

Polestar 6 Confirmed for 2026: Polestar BST Concept at Goodwood

Polestar 6 Confirmed for 2026: Polestar BST Concept at Goodwood

Polestar

Polestar BST Concept

Electric performance car brand Polestar has taken the wraps off its latest concept, the BST, at the prestigious Goodwood Festival of Speed. This aggressive take on the upcoming… Continue reading...

Renault Emblème: A Real-World Testing Platform for Clean Mobility Innovation

Renault Emblème

Renault

Renault Emblème

The Renault Emblème represents a strategic experiment in how automakers approach low-carbon mobility. Developed as a full-scale "laboratory on wheels," this… Continue reading...

Stellantis plant in Cassino goes electric with STLA large platform

STLA Large platform

Stellantis

Electric vehicles (EVs)

Stellantis, the automotive company behind premium and luxury brands Alfa Romeo and Maserati, is boldly moving towards electrification. The company's Cassino plant in Italy, which… Continue reading...

The 2024 Nissan Leaf: A Budget-Friendly EV From $24,390

The 2024 Nissan Leaf: A Budget-Friendly EV From $24,390

Nissan

Nissan Leaf

The Nissan Leaf is one of the most affordable electric vehicles (EVs) on the market, but it just got even cheaper. The 2024 model year of the Leaf has regained eligibility for part… Continue reading...

Chevrolet Equinox EV and Erewhon Release ‘Electric Juice’

Chevrolet Equinox EV and Erewhon Release ‘Electric Juice’

Chevrolet

Chevrolet Equinox EV

Chevrolet has teamed up with Erewhon, the upscale organic grocery chain, to launch a limited-edition beverage, aptly named ‘Electric Juice’. This collaboration is… Continue reading...

In 2025, the Nissan LEAF will be replaced by an electric SUV

Nissan LEAF electric vehicle

Nissan

Electric cars

For a long time, the tiny Nissan LEAF electric vehicle was the best-selling electric car globally. Still, there is now a desire for newer models with more range,… Continue reading...

Alpine Cars: The Future of Electric Racing

Alpine Cars: The Future of Electric Racing

Alpine

Alpine A480

Alpine Cars, the French manufacturer of sporty and elegant vehicles, is making waves in the world of electric racing with its impressive performance at the Spa-… Continue reading...

The All-Electric Nissan LEAF Zooms into 2025 with More Value Than Ever

2025 Nissan LEAF

Nissan

2025 Nissan LEAF

Nissan's pioneering electric vehicle, the LEAF, is back for 2025, offering a compelling combination of affordability, efficiency, and technology. With a starting MSRP of $28,… Continue reading...

Volkswagen's ID.3 Leasing Program: Affordable Electric Driving Made Easy

Volkswagen ID.3 leasing

Volkswagen

Volkswagen ID.3

Volkswagen has unveiled a special leasing program for the ID.3 in collaboration with Volkswagen Financial Services. This initiative is designed to accelerate the… Continue reading...

Like us!

Gerane

Free newsletter!

* indicates required
/* real people should not fill this in and expect good things - do not remove this or risk form bot signups */

Latest news

New Aston Martin DBX S: Performance SUV Built for Speed and Control

New Aston Martin DBX S: Performance SUV Built for Speed and Control

2025 Honda GB350S Custom Bikes Star at Wheels & Waves Fest

2025 Honda GB350S Custom Bikes Star at Wheels & Waves Fest

BMW M2 CS 2026: 523 HP and RWD in Track-Focused Package

BMW M2 CS 2026: 523 HP and RWD in Track-Focused Package

Zenith Chronomaster Lapis Watch Combines Style and Precision

Zenith Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar Lapis Lazuli

Giamaro Katla: 7.0L V12 Engine, 2,128 HP, $2.8M Price

Giamaro Katla: 7.0L V12 Engine, 2,128 HP, $2.8M Price

Peugeot, Under The Pole Team Up for 2026 Capsule II Launch

Peugeot, Under The Pole Team Up for 2026 Capsule II Launch

2026 Alpine A390: 470-HP Electric Fastback With 345-Mile Range

2026 Alpine A390: 470-HP Electric Fastback With 345-Mile Range

New 2025 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale: V6 or Electric, You Decide

New 2025 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale: V6 or Electric, You Decide

Vertical Aerospace VX4 Completes First Piloted Wingborne eVTOL Flight

Vertical Aerospace VX4 Completes First Piloted Wingborne eVTOL Flight

Vauxhall Frontera GRAVEL Concept: Budget EV Goes Bold With Off-Road Upgrades

Vauxhall Frontera GRAVEL

2026 Kia EV9 Pricing, Trims, Range, and Performance: Full Breakdown

2026 Kia EV9 Pricing, Trims, Range, and Performance: Full Breakdown

BMW Concept RR Packs 230 HP, Race-Derived Tech

BMW Concept RR Packs 230 HP, Race-Derived Tech

2026 Volvo XC70: A Plug-In Hybrid SUV with 124-Mile Electric Range

2026 Volvo XC70

Limited-Run BMW Speedtop Boasts 617 HP and $500K Price Tag

BMW Speedtop

Pagination

  • Previous page
  • 9
  • Next page

Partners

»Panorica »EV stories »Car Division

Popular stories

Seven design ideas for your vintage garden

a vintage garden

BMW Concept RR Packs 230 HP, Race-Derived Tech

BMW Concept RR Packs 230 HP, Race-Derived Tech

2026 Alpine A390: 470-HP Electric Fastback With 345-Mile Range

2026 Alpine A390: 470-HP Electric Fastback With 345-Mile Range

How is clean, green electricity produced?

How is clean, green electricity produced?

Opel Grandland Plug-in Hybrid Review: Real-World Range, Comfort, and Value

Opel Grandland Plug-in Hybrid

Insights inside the manufacturing of the one-of-a-kind DS 4 tail lights

DS 4 tail lights

Polestar 2: A Stylish and Sustainable Electric Car for the Future

Polestar 2: A Stylish and Sustainable Electric Car for the Future

Four practical suggestions for landing a better job

landing a better job

Vertical Aerospace VX4 Completes First Piloted Wingborne eVTOL Flight

Vertical Aerospace VX4 Completes First Piloted Wingborne eVTOL Flight

The new Peugeot 2008 Electric Is a Stylish and Practical Crossover That Deserves Your Attention

Peugeot e-2008

Six Tips for Making Marketing Presentations More Engaging

Tips for Making Marketing Presentations More Engaging

2026 Kia EV9 GT: Seven-Seat Electric SUV with 800V Charging and High-Performance GT Variant

2026 Kia EV9 GT

New Porsche Macan 4S Electric and the Future of E-Mobility in Monaco

New Porsche Macan 4S Electric and the Future of E-Mobility in Monaco

How to Turn Your Old Electric Vehicle Batteries into Cash

How to Turn Your Old Electric Vehicle Batteries into Cash

Pagination

  • Previous page
  • 9
  • Next page
Toyota
Mercedes-Benz
Nissan
Kia
BMW
Citroen
Ford
Honda
Volkswagen
Peugeot
Fiat
Audi
Porsche
Renault
Vauxhall
Hyundai
Jeep
Dacia
Skoda
Opel
Mazda
Volvo
Alfa Romeo
Polestar
RSS feed
Self-driving car
Togg T10X electric SUV
good listener
Mahindra BE 05
2025 Fiat Doblo Easy Pro
2025 Toyota Corolla Cross
What's New for 2025: Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Wrangler 4xe – A Comprehensive Review
BMW R 1300 GS: The ultimate adventure bike with the new Vario luggage system

· Gerane.com · 2025 · Contact · Privacy Policy · Powered by Drupal