Vertical successfully completes initial flight tests of full-scale prototype

Vertical Aerospace successfully completed an initial flight test campaign of its full-scale prototype. The prototype lifted, hovered, flew and landed using the aircraft’s propulsion system and battery packs. This included the VX4 reaching its target thrust-borne speed of 40kts Justin Paines, chief test pilot, Vertical said: “The aircraft was remarkably easy to fly. It was rock-solid in stability and provided precise control even in demanding flight conditions such as hovering close to the ground. The aircraft leapt into a stable hover at lower RPM than expected, taking advantage of the ground effect cushion.  Battery temperatures and state-of-charge remained well within predictions