The UK has proved it is ahead of other countries with regards to zero-carbon aerospace technology, after launching a new electric aircraft.
Vertical Space has revealed its VX4 eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) took flight earlier this week, with eight sets of aerodynamic propellers lifting it off the ground. However, it was tethered down for safety, as chief test pilot Justin Paines took control.
This marks the first new British aircraft in more than 20 years to lift off, with Vertical Space’s founder Stephen Fitzpatrick saying: “Britain is leading the world in the development of zero-carbon aircraft.”
The test programme, which will see the VX4 undertake a series of checks before it is air-ready in 2025, is supported by the Aerospace Technology Institute, designed by the UK government.
Once it is ready to take flight, the VX4 will be able to carry four passengers, as well as the pilot. It will have a top speed of 200 miles per hour, typically operating at 150 miles per hour.
The aircraft has already done four of the six stages of the flight test programme, including build and commission, ground tests, permit to fly and a tethered hover. It now has to undertake a low-speed flight, before it completes a transition and envelope extension at up to 10,000 feet.
Vertical Space was founded just six years ago in 2016 to ensure Britain develops the best eVTOL aircrafts in the world. Mr Fitzpatrick aimed to manufacture machinery that can decarbonise air travel.
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