Courtesy: Vertical Aerospace
An electric powered flying taxi has passed a significant test with its first successful open airspace flight across the UK countryside.
Vertical Aerospace’s VX4 air taxi recently completed a ‘wingborne’ flight last week, soaring over the Cotswolds before landing like a conventional aircraft at a nearby airport.
It marks a major milestone for the company that is targeting commercial deployment by around 2028.
It says it will be able to ferry passengers from South London to Heathrow in 12 minutes.
It can carry four passengers up to 100 miles.
“This is a fantastic milestone for Vertical and for the UK’s aerospace sector,” said Jonathan Reynolds, Secretary of State for Business and Trade.
“Breakthroughs like this show how government and business can work together to keep the UK at the cutting edge of innovation.”
The VX4 received approval for the test flight from the CAA.
“Achieving piloted wingborne flight in open airspace under the oversight of the UK CAA is an important moment,” said Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace.
“Operating under the UK’s rigorous regulatory framework means we share the burden of safety with our regulator – every step must be approved.”
A Civil Aviation Authority spokesperson said: “Aviation is going through of one of the biggest changes to how people fly and transport goods. That’s why we are playing our part as the regulator, by working with innovators such as Vertical to support the testing of brand new forms of aviation.”
