Engines
Vertical Starts Tests with Hybrid-electric Powertrain
Hybrid version of Valo VTOL aircraft will have longer range and more payload
Vertical Aerospace Hybrid Propulsion Evaluation Rig
Vertical Aerospace is using its Hybrid Propulsion Evaluation rig to develop a hybrid-electric powertrain for a new version of its Valo VTOL aircraft.

Vertical Aerospace has started testing with its Hybrid Propulsion Evaluation Rig (HYPER) as part of its work to develop a hybrid-electric version of its Valo VTOL aircraft. In a program update released on Tuesday, the UK company also said it produced the first battery manufactured at the assembly line it opened in March at the Vertical Energy Centre in Bristol.

The HYPER facility is being used to integrate and validate all the systems that will form part of the new powertrain, which consists of a turbine engine, a generator, and associated electrical systems. Testing is being conducted at Vertical’s flight test center at Cotswold Airport in the west of England.