The first piloted test flight of a British startup’s VX4 flying taxi has been completed.
Vertical Aerospace made the announcement on Monday. It represents an important step forward in advancing electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft technology.
Vertical Aerospace built the VX4, which American Airlines and Virgin Airlines have bought, to transport four passengers on 30-minute flights between airports and between cities.
The purpose of the test flight, which took place within an aircraft hangar, was to see if the vehicle could raise itself under its own weight.
The drone, which was tied to the ground, hovered at the height of roughly 3 feet during the 10-minute test, according to the spokeswoman.
“This test represented the culmination of many months of preparation by a huge team,” said Justin Paines, the company’s chief test pilot, who also flew the aircraft.
Justin Paines, Chief Test Pilot, flew the full-scale VX4 prototype.
Vertical Aerospace, a New York Stock Exchange-listed company, is one of numerous companies racing to create eVTOLs.
The vehicles, frequently billed as flying taxis, are piqueing the interest of major airlines, charter businesses, and tourism organizations.
Flight regulators have not yet certified any model, but Vertical Aerospace intends to have the VX4 certified by 2025.
American Airlines said in July that it had paid for the pre-delivery of 50 VX4 aircraft and had placed an order for 200 more, with an option for 100 more.
The test flight revealed on Monday was the VX4’s debut flight, while Vertical Aerospace has previously conducted testing flights on prototype planes.
Vertical Aerospace had to seek permission from the UK’s aviation regulator, the Civil Aviation Authority, because the test flight was piloted (CAA). According to the spokeswoman, the CAA was present for the initial test flight.
Vertical Aerospace intends to test the VX4 for several months, increasing altitude and speed with each test flight.