Vertical Aerospace Plans Hybrid eVTOL to Expand Defense, Logistics Markets

Vertical Aerospace, a UK-based eVTOL aircraft startup, is developing a hybrid-electric variant of its VX4 air taxi to significantly extend its range to up to 1,000 miles and increase payload capacity to 1,100 kilograms. This hybrid model aims to address growing demand in defense, logistics, air ambulance, and critical mission markets, leveraging its low noise and heat signatures as well as potential for autonomous operations. The company, which has over 1,500 pre-orders from major airlines, has partnered with Honeywell to develop flight control and autonomous systems, aligning with defense applications. Vertical’s hybrid propulsion system, developed over 18 months, will be flight tested in 2026 and builds on the existing VX4 airframe to speed time to market and capitalize on rising European defense budgets amid geopolitical tensions. This move follows similar defense-focused strategies by competitors Archer Aviation and Joby Aviation, who have also pursued hybrid or military contracts. CEO Stuart Simpson emphasizes that the hybrid project complements rather than distracts from Vertical’s core all-electric VX4 development targeting certification by 2028.