The dream of a world where planes do not emit pollutants, where the sky is crossed by silent and sustainable vehicles, can be a little less distant thanks to Vertical Aerospace. The company just shared exciting flight test updates on its VX4 program.
A full-size prototype of the VX4, a vertical take-off aircraft, brilliantly passed remote-thrust flight tests in July 2023, reaching a target speed of 70 km/h. That's not all: the prototype demonstrated exceptional stability and control, exceeding performance targets by 10 to 30 percent during hover and low-speed flights. A clear signal that the future of aviation is closer than we think.
A surprising performance
The VX4 is not just another prototype: it represents a technological leap in the aviation world. Its ability to hover for longer than expected is impressive. This is usually the biggest challenge for a VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aircraft. The push flight tests had the objective of verifying the reference parameters for stable flight. These include stability, battery efficiency, handling characteristics, aerodynamics, structural loads, performance and vibrations. All these objectives have been brilliantly achieved.
Beyond flight tests: the next phase
After successfully completing the remote push flight test campaign, Vertical Aerospace she didn't stop. They continued with further unmanned flight tests to gain insight into the aircraft's performance under unexpected operating conditions. But as with any innovative path, there were also problems.
During one of the tests, for example, the aircraft encountered an unexpected failure which led to a forced landing. But, as the saying goes, "you learn more from failures than from successes". Vertical conducted a thorough investigation, identifying the root cause of the problem as a first generation propeller, which had already been redesigned prior to the accident.
Towards the finish line
Construction of a second, much more advanced VX4 prototype is already underway at the Global Technology Center in GKN Aerospace. This demonstrator is expected to be ready for flight tests in early 2024. Its components will include technologies from Vertical's key certification partners, such as GKN Aerospace, Rolls-Royce, Honeywell e Leonardo. Another aircraft, identical to the first, has been approved and is expected to fly in the second half of 2024.
In summary, a five-seat air taxi with a proprietary battery system and 1 MW powertrain will soon be flying through the skies, with a range of 161 km and a speed of 325 km/h. Imagine hopping into one of these contraptions for a quick trip across town, or a little "trip" out of town - the sky really is the limit.
