Vertical's Third VX4 eVTOL Prototype Takes Shape as Flight Testing Expands | Aviation International News

Vertical's Third VX4 eVTOL Aircraft Prototype Takes Shape

UK start-up has funds to support work through the end of 2025

Vertical Aerospace VX4 eVTOL flight testing — Vertical Aerospace aims to add a third VX4 eVTOL prototype to its flight test program later this year.

By Charles Alcock • Managing Editor

March 12, 2025

Vertical Aerospace’s third VX4 eVTOL prototype is now being assembled at GKN Aerospace’s Global Technology Centre in the UK. This aircraft is expected to join the second prototype in piloted flight testing later this year as part of the Flightpath 2030 strategy it hopes will lead to type certification for the four-passenger model in 2028.

Announcing its 2024 financial results on March 11, Vertical’s CEO, Stuart Simpson, said the second prototype, which started flying in July 2024, is exceeding performance expectations in thrustborne flights. The company is stepping up work to bring the VX4 to market after lining up additional funding to sustain the program.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

Vertical Aerospace

GKN Aerospace

Rolls-Royce

Leonardo

Honeywell

Britten-Norman Targets Eight New-build Islanders Annually

UK production expansion follows inaugural flight of latest Bembridge-built unit

Bizjet Market Value To Reach $60B per Year in Next Decade

Market estimated to grow from $27 billion in 2025 to more than $60.5 billion

Phenom 100

Atlas Will Build Electra’s EL9 Hybrid-electric Prototypes

Wichita-based aerospace manufacturing group has partnered with the U.S. start-up

Electra EL9 aircraft

Honda Aircraft Finishes Echelon Wing, Delays 1st Flight

Final assembly of the first jet will take place early next year

Honda Aircraft team and the Echelon wing

Cape Air To Add Eight Caravans for Montana Service

Will introduce aircraft in 2027 to the Montana network

Textron Aviation Cessna Grand Caravan EX

The 25th Anniversary of 9/11: How it Changed Airbus and Boeing

The fall-out from the terror attacks was to have short- and long-term consequences

Boeing Sonic Cruiser

Will Embraer Go Big by Developing a Large Narrowbody Jet?

Industry experts privately debate whether the Brazilian airframer can take the risk

Embraer E195-E2 aircraft

Baggage Floor Removal Vexing for Lear Jet Restoration

The group looks to return Lear 23-003 to flight

the baggage floor in Lear 23-003