Vertical Aerospace Completes Phase 2 Testing, Prepares for Wingborne Flights

Vertical Aerospace has successfully completed the second stage of piloted thrustborne testing for its VX4 prototype, marking significant progress towards the upcoming wingborne flight phase. Over 30 piloted test flights were conducted, which included hover and low-speed maneuvers, yielding valuable data on the aircraft's stability and performance. The company is now preparing for wingborne flights, which will be the penultimate phase of testing and will take the aircraft beyond the confines of its Kemble airfield into real-world conditions. This next step is contingent upon receiving an expanded permit from the UK Civil Aviation Authority. Both CEO Stuart Simpson and Chief Test Pilot Simon Davies expressed optimism about the VX4's performance and the momentum gained in early 2025, including a recent $90 million funding round. The successful transition to wingborne flight could further enhance the company's financial prospects as it approaches final testing phases.