{"id":2252,"date":"2025-05-29T16:23:04","date_gmt":"2025-05-29T16:23:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vtolbuzz.com\/?p=2252"},"modified":"2025-05-29T23:23:04","modified_gmt":"2025-05-29T23:23:04","slug":"vertical-aerospace-vx4-prototype-makes-historic-first-evtol","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vtolbuzz.com\/index.php\/2025\/05\/29\/vertical-aerospace-vx4-prototype-makes-historic-first-evtol\/","title":{"rendered":"Vertical Aerospace VX4 eVTOL prototype makes historic first piloted eVTOL wingborne flight in Europe"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Vertical Aerospace<\/strong> (NYSE: EVTL<\/strong>) has achieved a historic milestone in European aviation<\/strong> on the 27th of May 2025 by conducting the first piloted wingborne flight of a an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft <\/strong>in open airspace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The VX4 prototype<\/strong>, soaring over the UK countryside from Cotswold Airport<\/strong>, successfully showcased controlled wingborne flight in open airspace for the first time. This achievement represents a significant milestone in the journey towards commercial deployment, aligning with Vertical’s Flightpath 2030 strategy<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)<\/strong> of the UK granted approval for the flight to proceed through open airspace at Cotswold Airport<\/strong>, which is the largest private airport in the UK, by extending Vertical’s Permit to Fly. This decision came after a thorough examination of numerous pages of safety and technical documentation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cTaking the aircraft beyond the airfield and cruising over the Cotswolds for the first time was truly special and a career highlight for me. Our performance predictions were absolutely spot on, and the aircraft took off as a natural extension of all the ground tests and preparation we\u2019ve done. There are aircraft which are safe and capable but not always enjoyable to fly. The VX4 was not only safe but was an absolute pleasure. It is responsive, smooth, simple to operate and the sound level from the propellers is quiet and pleasant in the cockpit. An honour to fly, and a real testament to the incredible team behind it.\u201d – Chief Test Pilot, Simon Davies<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cAchieving piloted wingborne flight in open airspace under the oversight of the UK CAA<\/strong> is an important moment in our certification journey. Operating under the UK\u2019s rigorous regulatory framework means we share the burden of safety with our regulator – every step must be approved, and that\u2019s by design. It amounts to a mini certification of our prototype and gives us a clearer, faster path to type certification. Our decision to put a pilot into the VX4 early was deliberate<\/strong> – real-world piloted flight delivers insights no simulation can. This milestone proves the capability of the aircraft and the maturity of our programme as we move toward commercial operations.\u201d – Stuart Simpson, CEO, Vertical Aerospace<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cThe VX4\u2019s successful demonstration of wingborne flight<\/strong> marks a significant step towards commercial readiness. As the global leader in innovative and sustainable vertical lift, we look forward to continuing to partner with Vertical<\/strong> to unleash the disruptive advantages of this aircraft.\u201d – David Stepanek, EVP & CTO, Bristow Group<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201dThis milestone<\/strong> is a key step toward safely scaling electric aviation<\/strong>, which we believe will play a key role<\/strong> in the future of our industry. We\u2019re proud of Vertical\u2019s progress toward sustainable travel.\u201d – Jill Blickstein, Vice President of Sustainability, at American Airlines<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cThis significant achievement underscores the ability of our partnership<\/strong> to unlock new and innovative modes of transport, and we are proud Honeywell Anthem avionics<\/strong> and flight control computers<\/strong> and software<\/strong> could play a key role in supporting such a defining moment for the industry.\u201d – Jim Currier, President and CEO, Honeywell Aerospace Technologies<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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By successfully attaining stable<\/strong> and controlled wingborne flight<\/strong>, Vertical<\/strong> has made a noteworthy advancement towards the next significant milestone: a complete piloted transition flight,<\/strong> anticipated in the latter half of 2025<\/strong>. This will showcase the VX4\u2019s capability to transition effortlessly between vertical lift<\/strong> and forward cruise<\/strong> \u2013 the operational mode it will employ in passenger service<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Vertical team, which includes Chief Pilot Simon Davies, has reached the latest milestone in piloted flight testing.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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UK’s commitment to Aerospace Leadership through cross-sector partnerships<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This accomplishment has also received backing from initial UK government funding<\/strong> via programs such as the Aerospace Technology Institute<\/strong> and the Future Flight Challenge<\/strong>. These initiatives have played a significant role in the advancement of Vertical’s technology and flight testing efforts, and are integral to broader initiatives aimed at promoting the UK’s net zero<\/strong> and aerospace goals<\/strong>. According to the Future Flight Challenge, the global market for AAM aircraft<\/strong> such as eVTOLs <\/strong>from Vertical Aersopace<\/strong>, drones (UAS)<\/strong>, and supporting services will reach $74 billion by 2030<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis is a fantastic milestone for Vertical<\/strong> and for the UK\u2019s world-class aerospace sector<\/strong>. Breakthroughs like this show how government and business can work together<\/strong> to keep the UK<\/strong> at the cutting edge of innovation<\/strong>. Our modern Industrial Strategy<\/strong> will double down on this success by giving investors the confidence they need to back UK advanced manufacturing<\/strong> for the long term, bringing good, green jobs<\/strong> and growth across the UK as part of our Plan for Change.\u201d – UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade<\/strong>, Jonathan Reynolds<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) <\/strong>develops the technological strategy for the aerospace industry in the UK and finances top-tier research and development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n