FutureFlight
Vertical's VX4 eVTOL Aircraft Prototype Makes First Hover Flight
An initial tethered takeoff marks the start of extensive flight testing for the four-passenger vehicle, which is expected to enter service with several major international airlines.
Vertical Aerospace's VX4 eVTOL aircraft prototype made a first flight in September 2022.
Vertical Aerospace says its VX4 eVTOL aircraft prototype has made a first tethered flight. (Image: Vertical Aerospace)

Vertical Aerospace has achieved a first tethered takeoff with its VX4 eVTOL prototype aircraft, with the company reporting on Monday that the flight happened on Saturday. The UK-based start-up provided few details about the flight, beyond confirming that chief test pilot Justin Paines had been at the controls and that the vehicle had hovered at around one meter above the ground for 10 minutes.

Since the flight was piloted, it required a “Permit to Fly” issued by the UK Civil Aviation Authority. According to Vertical Aerospace, it is the first British company to start flight tests with a new aircraft in more than 20 years. The Bristol-based manufacturer said that the flight took place inside a hangar at Kemble Airport in the west of England, where it intends to conduct initial flight testing.