Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

Vertical Aerospace’s VX4 eVTOL prototype is appearing at the UK’s Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) as part of the company’s plans to market the aircraft for defense and special missions applications. Its appearance at the July 18 to 20 event follows the company’s recent launch of plans to offer a <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2025-05-13/vertical-confirms-plans-longer-range-hybrid-electric-vtol">hybrid-electric version</a> of the aircraft that would have a longer range.
According to the company, the VX4’s flight on July 16 from its test facility at Cotswold Airport to the Royal Air Force’s Fairford base was the world’s first airport-to-airport piloted flight by a “winged tiltrotor eVTOL designed for commercial service.” In May, Vertical achieved its <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2025-05-27/vertical-makes-piloted-wingborne-evtol-flight-open-airspace">first piloted wingborne flight trials</a> in open airspace.
Beta Technologies has conducted multiple demonstration flights with its electric Alia aircraft between airports in the U.S. and also in Europe. These included a flight into <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2025-06-03/beta-makes-first-electric-flight-new-york-city-airport">New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport</a> in the conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) fixed-wing CX300 model, which is being developed in tandem with the Alia 250 eVTOL.
<figure role="group" class="caption caption-img">
<img alt="Vertical Aerospace's VX4 eVTOL aircraft appeared at the RIAT air show in the UK." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="be37e69a-c526-4ded-939f-088d1a9aecb3" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/RIAT-Landing%20PR_0.JPG" width="5000" height="3335" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>Vertical Aerospace’s VX4 eVTOL aircraft appeared at the RIAT air show in the UK.</figcaption>
</figure>

The VX4’s 15-nm flight into Fairford, which was approved by the UK Civil Aviation Authority, was made at an altitude of 1,800 feet and logged a top speed of 100 knots. Its arrival was witnessed by several thousand aviation enthusiasts gathering for the annual RIAT event.
“Flying the VX4 from airport to airport is a major milestone, and a powerful demonstration of the real-world capability of the aircraft,” commented Vertical’s chief test pilot, Simon Davies. “To bring it to RIAT, among some of the world’s most advanced military aircraft, is a proud moment, and a powerful signal of the role that a new generation of aircraft will play in defense and special missions operations.”

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

Vertical Promotes VX4 eVTOL Military Missions at UK’s RIAT Air Show

UK company’s eVTOL prototype flew from Cotswold Airport to the Fairford air force base

Vertical said the flight to the RIAT show was the world’s first airport-to-airport piloted flight by a “winged tiltrotor eVTOL designed for commercial service.”

Vertical Touts VX4 eVTOL Military Missions at UK’s RIAT Air Show

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