UK air taxi startup Vertical Aerospace has achieved a groundbreaking milestone for the eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) industry. The company successfully completed the world’s first airport-to-airport flight with its VX4 electric airplane prototype, showcasing the potential of electric aviation.
On July 16, the VX4 prototype took off from Vertical Aerospace’s test center at Cotswold Airport and flew to the Royal Air Force Fairford station, a distance of 17 miles. This marked the first time a full-scale, piloted winged tilt-rotor eVTOL aircraft designed for commercial service completed a flight between two airports.
The VX4 prototype, powered by a battery, reached speeds of 115 miles per hour and an altitude of 1,800 feet during the flight. The successful airport-to-airport journey demonstrated the aircraft’s capability to integrate with real-world airport operations.
Simon Davies, Vertical Aerospace’s Chief Test Pilot, piloted the VX4 prototype during the historic flight. He emphasized the significance of this milestone, stating that flying the VX4 from one airport to another was a major achievement and a powerful demonstration of the aircraft’s real-world capabilities.
The VX4 electric eVTOL features a fixed-wing configuration with eight propellers, enabling a projected top speed of around 200 mph and a range of up to 100 miles on a full charge. The cruising speed of the aircraft is 150 mph, offering a balance of speed and range for commercial use.
Vertical Aerospace plans to use a CCS connector for DC fast charging of the VX4, although specific charging specifications have not yet been released. The aircraft is designed to accommodate either one pilot and four passengers or cargo, providing flexibility for various transportation needs.
While the VX4 prototype represents a significant advancement in electric aviation technology, Vertical Aerospace acknowledges that the aircraft is not yet ready for mass production. However, the successful airport-to-airport flight demonstrates the progress being made in the development of electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, bringing us closer to a future of sustainable and efficient air transportation.
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