The United Kingdom eVTOL company, Vertical Aerospace, started their 2025 right and with a massive achievement with their VX4 aircraft which achieved a new milestone featuring its thrust-borne maneuver. It was revealed that the company was able to achieve this with their full-scale vectored thrust eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft, and the company is looking to conduct more tests later in the year.
This significant milestone is a step up from their previous hover pilot flight, with this recent demonstration showing off their eVTOL's capabilities in going further than before, soon to apply for more flight licenses to test their aircraft further.
VX4 Achieves Thrust-Borne Flight in Early 2025 Tests as a First
According to a recent press release by Vertical Aerospace, the VX4 eVTOL aircraft was able to achieve its first-ever thrust-borne flight, highlighting a significant milestone for the newfound machine for transportation. The company revealed that this was a piloted thrust-borne test flight, and Vertical Aerospace is already looking to complete this test and move forward to Phase 2.
"Becoming one of only two companies globally to conduct piloted thrust-borne flight maneuvers in a full-scale vectored thrust eVTOL underscores the progress we're making toward our Flightpath 2030 strategy and our vision to transform the way the world moves," said Stuart Simpson, Vertical Aerospace CEO.
Read Also: Joby Aviation's Hydrogen eVTOL Air Taxi Finds Success in 523-Mile Test; When's its Operations?
Wing-Borne Flight Is Next In Line For Vertical Aerospace
After it successfully completes Phase 2 which included its thrust-borne maneuver using the VX4 full-scale vectored thrust eVTOL, the company is looking to move forward with Phase 3 which will focus on wing-borne flight. The company is now working on securing more licenses from the UK's Civil Aviation Authority for its future Phase 3 testing with wing-borne maneuvers.
The VX4 was revealed to be capable of going as fast as 150mph in the air, paired with its 1.4-megawatt peak power with a 100-mile range, and the ability to seat five passengers, pilot included.
eVTOL Aircraft: The Touted Future of Aviation
The eVTOL industry has seen massive improvements over the past years, particularly as many companies develop renowned technology that helps advance the industry, and are all looking to commercialize this new form of transportation. One of the most popular names in the industry is Joby Aviation, and the company recently partnered with NASA to fill busy airports with eVTOL for a more efficient transportation option.
There have been several aspirations for eVTOL aircraft in the market, with being the next personal car for intercity travel set to be one of its most promising experiences for users who are looking to avoid traffic congestion and the like. On the other hand, companies like the South Korean automaker brand, Hyundai, previously launched the 'Supernal' program that will soon transform eVTOLs into an air taxi business.
Many companies have focused on different advancements in the eVTOL market, and this included the capabilities to travel inter-city at a faster pace, extending the aircraft's electric range, and others transforming it into an electric hydrogen hybrid. Vertical Aerospace's VX4 is only the second global company to successfully achieve thrust-borne flight milestones, and the next in their sights is a wing-borne maneuver for their eVTOL.
