Vertical Aerospace given more control by UK regulator

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This week Vertical Aerospace was granted more control over conducting tasks related to its type certification programme when the UK regulator expanded the scope of its design organisation approval (DOA).

The expansion means the eVTOL aircraft developer’s own engineers will now be able to sign off compliance of a number of areas including the flight control, avionics and electrical systems.

Expanding Vertical’s capacity to carry out certification activities streamlines the certification process, says Eric Samson, senior vice president of Engineering and head of Design Organisation. It also shows increasing confidence from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in the company.

“This is another positive step forward in recognising that Vertical has demonstrated the engineering capability to obtain certification for the VX4 aircraft,” Samson tells Revolution.Aero. “For context, Vertical is working to the highest of safety targets, the same as those that large commercial airliners adhere to. Trust in our competence and procedures paves the way for us to be granted more privileges.” One example could be authorisation to conduct flight test activities with less oversight by the CAA.

Vertical became the first eVTOL developer to be granted a DOA by the CAA back in March 2023. The DOA is a prerequisite of a type certification application, it authorises the applicant to conduct design activities and issue design approvals within the DOA’s scope of approval.

The company, as is the case with virtually every aerospace startup and aircraft programme, has not been without its challenges. Vertical was issued with a warning notice after failing to comply with New York Stock Exchange continued listing standards in November 2023. It publicly listed via special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) in late 2021.

Funding has thrown up other challenges. The company has raised just over $260m to date, with former CEO and founder Stephen Fitzpatrick invested $50m of his own cash earlier this year. At the time, Vertical said the investment provided the platform for further funding rounds. It also extended Vertical’s projected cash runway into second-quarter 2025.

The UK has come under criticism, like Europe, with respect to capital willing to invest relative to the US. The ongoing sagas for Lilium and Volocopter to attain state loan guarantees are also evidence of the lack of state support compared with the likes of AFWERX and NASA programmes across the Atlantic. But Vertical’s Samson says being based in the UK is and will continue to be key to Vertical’s success.

“We believe being based in the UK gives Vertical Aerospace a significant advantage in the eVTOL space. The UK has a proud history in aviation, we have the talent and an existing aerospace ecosystem, and companies like ours are leveraging this, along with our global aerospace partners, to pioneer electric aviation,” says Samson.

“Today’s news is another proof point for why the UK is the right place to do this – close collaboration of the CAA and EASA paves the way for a more seamless, faster route to certification across many markets.”

Funding opportunities are linked to potential future revenues and profits, which in the case of aerospace companies requires certification. Samson says having a transparent and robust certification approach and adopting the highest safety standards, underpinned by strong UK regulatory support, is an “intrinsic advantage”.

“The capital market opportunities are global and Vertical has attracted significant UK and overseas investment,” he adds.

Vertical has also traditionally received support from the UK government for research and technology development. The most recent tranche of funding worth £8m ($10.3m) came in January 2024 from the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) Programme. It was the fourth project awarded to Vertical by the ATI and brings total UK government grant funding to £37m ($47.7m).

“We look forward to working with the new government to kick start growth by leading this new market globally,” says Samson.

Earlier this month, the manufacturer pulled its VX4 aircraft from this year’s Farnborough International Airshow to be held from 22nd – 26th July. Vertical confirmed the decision on July 5, saying that focus will be on conducting the prototype’s flight test programme at its facility at Cotswold Airport, UK. A flight demonstration had been planned for the air show.

While it will be a shame not to see the VX4 fly later this month, the decision to focus on the flight test programme will be welcome news for those who want to see an eVTOL aircraft made in the UK operating commercially. If Vertical remains on track it is confident VX4’s will be certified by late 2026.

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