FutureFlight
Vertical Completes Winged eVTOL Design, Seeks New Funding
Vertical is switching to a wing-based design that will deliver greater range and speed for its eVTOL aircraft.
Vertical Aerospace's Seraph eVTOL technology demonstrator
Vertical Aerospace displayed its Seraph eVTOL technology demonstrator in London's Canary Wharf financial district on January 30.

In early January, Vertical Aerospace completed the preliminary design review for what will be its first full prototype eVTOL aircraft. The new design marks a significant change from the Seraph technology demonstrator aircraft, with a wing added to boost range and speed.

The as-yet-unnamed aircraft is expected to fly in the second half of 2020 and the UK company is now anticipating type certification by late 2023 or early 2024. Vertical chief operating officer Michael Cervenka told FutureFlight that the company expects to deliver a cruise speed of around 150 mph and range of close to 100 miles.