Vertical Aerospace VX4 Completes First Wing-Borne Flight Test

Vertical Aerospace’s VX4 Achieves Milestone with First Wing-Borne Flight

The electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) sector continues to gain momentum, with Vertical Aerospace marking a major milestone in its development roadmap. On 22 May 2025, the UK-based aerospace company successfully completed the first wing-borne flight of its VX4 prototype. This flight not only demonstrated the aircraft’s ability to transition from vertical to conventional flight but also validated critical aspects of its design and performance.

As the global aviation industry shifts toward sustainable, zero-emission solutions, eVTOLs are emerging as a promising alternative for short-haul urban and regional transport. Vertical Aerospace’s VX4 is designed to meet this demand with a focus on safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility. The successful wing-borne flight marks a pivotal step in the VX4’s path to certification and commercial deployment, positioning the company among the frontrunners in the urban air mobility (UAM) race.

Understanding the VX4 and Its Flight Test Program

Design and Capabilities of the VX4

The VX4 is an all-electric aircraft designed to carry four passengers and a pilot. With a projected range of approximately 100 miles (160 km) per charge and a cruise speed of around 130 knots (240 km/h), the VX4 aims to offer a viable alternative to ground-based transport in congested urban areas. Its hybrid design allows for both vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) and fixed-wing cruise, combining the benefits of helicopters and airplanes.

Key features of the VX4 include low noise emissions, zero operational emissions, and compliance with stringent aviation safety standards. The aircraft’s propulsion system is powered by electric motors, and its aerodynamic design supports efficient wing-borne flight, which is essential for extending range and reducing energy consumption.

Vertical Aerospace plans to conduct a series of test flights in different configurations. The current phase involves conventional take-off and landing (CTOL) flights, with around a dozen such sorties planned before transitioning to full VTOL testing. These tests are crucial for collecting performance data and refining digital models used in the aircraft’s development.

“The VX4 handled beautifully, and the transition to fixed-wing flight was smooth and stable, giving us confidence in the aircraft’s design and control systems.”

– Si Davies, Chief Test Pilot, Vertical Aerospace

Details of the Wing-Borne Flight

The milestone flight took place at Vertical Aerospace’s Kemble test facility in southwest England. According to chief test pilot Si Davies, the VX4 rotated at 85 knots and cruised at approximately 100 knots during the flight, which ventured beyond the airfield for the first time. The approach was performed at 95 knots, and future tests are expected to push cruise speeds to 120 knots, nearing the 130-knot target for the production model.

Davies praised the aircraft’s responsiveness and natural handling, noting that the propulsion system performed as predicted. “It is very responsive in acceleration along the runway, it got into the air very quickly indeed,” he said. The aircraft’s performance during this flight validated pre-flight modeling related to drag and motor output, reinforcing confidence in the VX4’s design.

Leading up to the wing-borne flight, the team conducted extensive low-speed taxi tests, including multiple runs at speeds just below take-off velocity. These preparations were essential for ensuring readiness and safety, both for the aircraft and the test crew.

Next Steps in the Flight Test Campaign

Following the initial wing-borne flight, Vertical Aerospace plans to expand the flight envelope with additional sorties in CTOL mode. These will incrementally increase flight duration and speed to further validate battery and motor performance under varied conditions. The goal is to build a robust dataset that supports eventual certification and commercial readiness.

The next major milestone in the test program is the transition from thrust-borne (hover) to wing-borne flight while operating in full VTOL mode. This complex maneuver represents the final phase of the flight-test plan and is expected to occur in the second half of 2025. Achieving a seamless transition is critical for demonstrating the VX4’s operational versatility.

In parallel, Vertical Aerospace is preparing a second VX4 prototype for flight testing. This aircraft will join the test fleet in the coming months, allowing the company to accelerate data collection and refine its models. The company has stated a target certification date of 2028, aligning with evolving regulatory frameworks for eVTOL aircraft.

Industry Implications and Competitive Landscape

Urban Air Mobility and Market Context

The VX4’s progress reflects broader trends in the eVTOL industry, which is projected to become a multi-billion-dollar market by 2030. Factors driving this growth include urban congestion, environmental concerns, and advancements in electric propulsion and autonomous flight technologies. Companies like Joby Aviation, Lilium, and Archer Aviation are also racing to bring certified eVTOLs to market, creating a competitive yet collaborative ecosystem.

Vertical Aerospace’s approach emphasizes certification under existing aviation regulations, working closely with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). This strategy may offer a more streamlined path to market compared to companies pursuing novel certification categories. The CAA’s approval of the recent test flight underscores the regulator’s confidence in the VX4’s development process.

Successful demonstration of wing-borne flight is a key differentiator in the eVTOL space. While many prototypes can hover, transitioning to efficient fixed-wing flight is essential for achieving the range and speed necessary for commercial viability. The VX4’s hybrid design addresses this challenge directly, offering a blend of performance and operational flexibility.

Technical and Operational Challenges

Despite recent successes, challenges remain. Battery energy density continues to limit range and payload capacity for electric aircraft. Vertical Aerospace must also ensure that its aircraft can operate safely in diverse weather conditions and integrate seamlessly into existing air traffic management systems.

Another hurdle is public acceptance and infrastructure readiness. Urban air mobility requires dedicated vertiports, charging infrastructure, and robust flight planning tools. While technology is advancing rapidly, the supporting ecosystem must evolve in parallel to enable widespread adoption.

Vertical Aerospace is addressing these issues through partnerships and simulations. The company is leveraging digital twin technology to model real-world performance and collaborating with stakeholders to plan future operational scenarios. These efforts aim to de-risk deployment and build confidence among regulators, operators, and the public.

Conclusion

The first wing-borne flight of Vertical Aerospace’s VX4 prototype marks a significant achievement in the journey toward sustainable urban air mobility. The successful transition from ground to fixed-wing flight validates the aircraft’s design and sets the stage for more complex test scenarios. With additional flights planned and a second prototype on the way, Vertical is steadily building momentum toward certification.

Looking ahead, the VX4’s development will be closely watched as a bellwether for the eVTOL industry. As regulatory frameworks solidify and infrastructure begins to take shape, aircraft like the VX4 could redefine short-haul transport in cities worldwide. The combination of zero emissions, reduced noise, and operational flexibility makes eVTOLs a compelling solution for the future of mobility.

FAQ

What is the VX4?
The VX4 is an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft developed by Vertical Aerospace. It is designed to carry four passengers and a pilot over short distances with zero emissions.

What was significant about the recent flight?
The VX4 completed its first wing-borne flight, transitioning from ground take-off to conventional fixed-wing flight. This validated key aspects of its design and performance.

When is the VX4 expected to be certified?
Vertical Aerospace is targeting certification for the VX4 in 2028, pending successful completion of flight testing and regulatory approvals.

How does the VX4 compare to other eVTOLs?
The VX4 combines vertical take-off capabilities with efficient fixed-wing cruise, offering a balance of range, speed, and operational flexibility. It competes with models from Joby Aviation, Lilium, and others.

What are the next steps in the VX4 test program?
Vertical Aerospace will conduct additional CTOL flights before transitioning to full VTOL testing, including thrust-to-wing-borne transitions later in 2025.

Sources

• Vertical Aerospace