Vertical Aerospace says the tethered hover represents the first flight of a new aircraft developed in the UK in over 20 years.
The flight-testing program is expected to continue for several years. Different stages of flight, including flying at higher altitudes and transitioning from vertical to forward flight, will be part of the process. Vertical hopes to have the aircraft certified by the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority and the EU’s EASA by 2025. The company was earlier issued a “Permit to Fly” by the CAA.
“This test represented the culmination of many months preparation by a huge team and being at the controls of the VX4 for the first time was an honor and a proud moment for us all,” said Justin Paines, Vertical Aerospace’s chief pilot, who flew the aircraft.Courtesy Vertical Aerospacein June that the team had been planning to fly the aircraft by the end of the year. The company was listed on the New York Stock Exchange in December 2021.
Fitzpatrick, who previously owned a Formula One team, decided to get into the electric aircraft race in 2016, prompted by a four-hour commute in Sao Paolo to a Formula 1 race. “We were stationary in traffic for nearly ten miles,” he said. “So, I started to think that what if a city like this—with the largest number of helicopters in the world—had aircraft that were quiet and clean. I felt it would be like converging Formula 1 technology and aviation.
Vertical Aerospace’s VX4 has a range of 100 miles, with the ability to cruise at 150 mph and reach a top speed of 200 mph. While it doesn’t resemble a Formula 1 car, Fitzpatrick thinks it’s the best-looking eVTOL on the market.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Flying taxi ordered by American Airlines successfully completes first test flight | AutoblogVertical Aerospace's successful test flight of the VX4 marks a significant step in the development eVTOL aircraft technology.
Read more »
Unauthorized drone flyovers delay Seahawks, Huskies games over weekendThe Federal Aviation Administration implements temporary flight restrictions around stadiums for professional football and baseball games, NCAA Division One football, and NASCAR events.
Read more »
Watch world's first flying electric boat concept complete its test flightRegent's electric seaglider successfully completed its first series of flights and demonstrated her ability to fully fulfill its 'float-foil-fly' mission.
Read more »
49ers out of sync in Garoppolo's 1st start in place of LanceAt first, the San Francisco 49ers were actually relieved that Jimmy Garoppolo stepped out of his own end zone for a safety. But, not for long.
Read more »
Ron Rivera says report of Jimmy G trade interest is 'bullcrap'Washington head coach Ron Rivera called Schefter's report of trade interest in 49ers Jimmy Garoppolo 'bullcrap.'
Read more »
Live updates: 49ers face Broncos on Sunday Night FootballJimmy Garoppolo’s first start of the 49ers’ 2022 season comes against Russell Wilson and the Broncos.
Read more »