FutureFlight
Vertical Approaches eVTOL First Flight as GKN Installs VX4 Wiring
Vertical is working to bring its four-passenger eVTOL aircraft into commercial service in 2025.
Vertical Aerospace's VX4 prototype aircraft has been fitted with electrical wiring by GKN.
GKN has installed electrical wiring on Vertical Aerospace's VX4 prototype aircraft. (Image: Vertical Aerospace)

Vertical Aerospace is reporting sustained progress towards the first flight of its VX4 eVTOL prototype through key steps such as the recent delivery and installation of the aircraft electrical wiring interconnection system (EWIS) by program partner GKN Aerospace. The equipment includes the high-voltage interconnection system that runs power from the batteries to electric propulsion units developed for the VX4 by aircraft engines group Rolls-Royce.

The milestone was one of a flurry of announcements made by UK-based Vertical Aerospace during last week’s Farnborough International Airshow. In addition, it signed an agreement with South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace, which will develop electric mechanical actuators for the four-passenger eVTOL model. Hanwha is also a key backer and partner for U.S-based Overair, which is developing a similar-sized eVTOL called the Butterfly.