Successful Flight of Vertical Aerospace's VX4 Prototype Aircraft
The VX4, a hybrid-electric aircraft developed by Vertical Aerospace, is currently undergoing advanced flight testing. This innovative aircraft, designed for both urban air mobility and military/special missions, is set to revolutionise the aviation industry.
Successful Flight Tests and Milestones
The VX4 has already demonstrated its capabilities with successful flights such as a 17-mile airport-to-airport trip in England, showcasing its operability within existing air traffic systems—a crucial step towards certification. As of July 2025, the first two prototypes have flown, with a third prototype in the final stages of assembly, ready to begin flight testing later this year.
The VX4 took off and landed conventionally for this flight, despite being a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft, as part of a phased approach to testing its capabilities. During this flight, the aircraft reached a speed of 185 km/h.
Certification and Future Plans
Certification for commercial use is targeted for 2028, with flight tests for the hybrid variant expected to begin in the second quarter of 2026. The hybrid-electric powertrain has been under development for 18 months and will be retrofitted into a VX4 prototype for testing in 2026.
The VX4 can carry four passengers plus a pilot in the all-electric configuration and has received significant pre-orders, around 1,500 units globally, from major airlines including American Airlines and Japan Airlines. The aircraft allows piloted, remotely piloted, or autonomous operations, supported by flight control systems developed in partnership with Honeywell.
Market Support and Partnerships
The strong industry support for the VX4 is evident with partnerships with GKN, Leonardo, and the presence at events such as RIAT 2025 to highlight its potential in sustainable aviation and defense applications. Vertical Aerospace continues to raise funding and scale test operations to meet regulatory requirements for certification.
Recently, the company completed a public $60 million stock offering, with 12 million shares sold at $5 per share. The net proceeds from this offering will be used for further development of Vertical Aerospace's electric aircraft.
Future Developments and Opportunities
The hybrid-electric roadmap opens up new possibilities for military operations, as stated by the CEO of Vertical Aerospace, Stuart Simpson. The company is also working on a hybrid-electric variant of the VX4, with flight testing of the second-generation hybrid powertrain system expected to begin in the second quarter of 2026.
The funds raised will be allocated for research and development, expansion of testing and certification capabilities, and general corporate purposes. The UK Civil Aviation Authority has approved the flight of the VX4, and the company's presence at airshows underscores its commitment to playing a significant role in the future of military and special aviation.
The wing-supported flight phase demonstrated the VX4's ability to generate lift through its wings, marking a significant step towards the certification and integration of the VX4 into airport operations. This flight represents a significant milestone in the development of the VX4, and Vertical Aerospace continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of aviation.
[1] Vertical Aerospace Press Release [2] FlightGlobal [3] Aviation Week [4] Vertical Aerospace Website
The successful flight testing of the VX4 demonstratesVertical Aerospace's potential in revolutionizing the aviation industry, particularly in the areas of finance, technology, aerospace, and urban air mobility. With the completion of a public $60 million stock offering, Vertical Aerospace aims to further develop its electric aircraft and explore new opportunities in the finance sector.
