Vertical Aerospace unveiled its next generation full-scale VX4 prototype, the only electric take-off and landing vehicle (eVTOL) designed, built and assembled in the UK.

This next-generation VX4 is more powerful than the previous full-scale prototype, with a 20% increase in the power-to-weight ratio, enabling the aircraft to reach speeds of up to 150 mph—the certification aircraft’s intended cruise speed.

Vertical Aerospace’s new, more advanced VX4 electric aircraft prototype.

The aircraft has been designed and built alongside global aerospace partners, including GKN Aerospace, Honeywell, Hanwha, Molicel, Leonardo and Syensqo. It features Vertical’s next-generation propellers and new proprietary battery technology, designed and manufactured at its multi-million pound state-of-the-art Vertical Energy Centre near Bristol, the UK’s most advanced aerospace battery facility.

The new VX4 prototype has successfully completed systems and aircraft testing and commissioning. Vertical is now working closely with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) as it rigorously evaluates the engineering, design, test data and aircraft ahead of issuing a Permit to Fly, effectively conducting a “mini certification” program. Vertical will then begin a robust flight test program at the Vertical Flight Test Center, with a focus on achieving piloted flight.

Vertical is currently developing an identical full-scale prototype which will accelerate the VX4’s flight test program and demonstration capability. The company will take flight test learnings from both prototypes into the design and development of the certified VX4 model.

Key new features of the latest full-scale VX4 prototype:

• Aerospace partner technology and certification expertise. 60% of the technology and components included on the latest aircraft are from leading aerospace partners, up from 10% on the previous prototype. This makes it Vertical’s most advanced prototype yet and a step closer to the aircraft that the company will take through to certification.

• First use of battery designed and built for aviation. This battery and powertrain system, developed at the Vertical Energy Centre, is the most powerful and lightest yet, has rapid charge time and multiple backup power sources. The VX4’s batteries are designed to meet the performance, safety, operational and commercial requirements of eVTOL and it is the first time its own proprietary batteries have been used on a full-scale prototype. The electronics, software and design of the battery have all been developed in house and the new aircraft includes new, more powerful Electronic Propulsion Units.

• Next generation propellers. Vertical’s new proprietary propellers designed specifically for eVTOLs are optimized for low noise and made of carbon fibre composite using a single-shot cure process to maximize integrity. The aerodynamic shape has been specifically designed to maximize performance across both hover and cruise by deconflicting the requirements of each phase of flight.

The VX4 Type Certification safety target is the same as for commercial airliners and 100 times safer than small single-engine helicopters. It is quiet when in cruise—its 50dBA output is lower than normal background noise levels in an urban environment—and has zero operating emissions.

It is designed to be piloted, carry four passengers and has a range of up to 100 miles. The VX4 journey time from Battersea in London to Heathrow will be 8 minutes and Miami to Fort Lauderdale 11 minutes.