Piloted eVTOL Takes Flight Over UK

Vertical Aerospace announced the successful piloted flight of its VX4 eVTOL prototype in open airspace over the UK, marking the first time a winged electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft has done so in Europe. The test flight took place from Cotswold Airport, following regulatory approval from the UK Civil Aviation Authority.

The aircraft completed take-off, wingborne flight, and landing under the control of Chief Test Pilot Simon Davies. The UK CAA extended Vertical’s Permit to Fly after a thorough review of the aircraft’s safety and technical documentation.

During the flight, approximately 30,000 data points were recorded, validating performance expectations. Vertical Aerospace believes it is the only company flying a piloted winged eVTOL developed under a Design Organisation Approval, a requirement for commercial certification.

The company expects to complete a piloted transition flight later in 2025 as it progresses toward commercial operations.