Vertical unveils latest eVTOL prototype

Vertical Aerospace has unveiled the latest iteration of its full-scale VX4 prototype aircraft.

The new prototype offers a 20% increase in the power to weight ratio, enabling the aircraft to reach speeds of up to 150mph – the certification aircraft’s intended cruise speed.

The aircraft has been designed and built alongside global aerospace partners, including GKN Aerospace, Honeywell, Hanwha, Molicel, Leonardo and Syensqo. It features Vertical’s newly designed propellers and new proprietary battery technology, designed and manufactured at its Vertical Energy Centre near Bristol. A spokesperson for Vertical confirmed to us that the new electronic power units deliver a 10x higher power improvement in motor peak torque duration and 8x higher power improvement in motor continuous torque duration compared with the previous prototype.

Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical said: “This is a critical step on our road to certification and commercialisation and, while there is more to do, the support of our partners and our $6 billion order book shows the trust and confidence the industry has in our outstanding product. We are excited to start our robust, test flight programme at our Flight Test Centre as we continue our focus on achieving piloted flight.”

The new eVTOL prototype has completed in-house systems and aircraft testing and commissioning. Vertical is now working with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) as it evaluates the engineering, design, test data and aircraft ahead of issuing a Permit to Fly. Vertical will then begin a flight test programme at its flight test centre, with a focus on achieving piloted flight.

Dave Stepanek, executive vice president and chief transformation officer at Bristow Group said: “As one of the world’s largest helicopter operators, we’re excited to be collaborating with Vertical as they work to bring the VX4 to market. We are delighted to see the progress being made with this latest prototype.”

Vertical is currently developing an identical full-scale prototype, the firm will then be able to take flight test learnings from both prototypes into the design and development of the certified VX4 model.

David Shilliday, vice president and general manager, Unmanned Aerial Systems / Urban Air Mobility at Honeywell Aerospace added: “The VX4 is testament to what can be achieved when industry leaders join forces to pioneer the future of air mobility. This electric aircraft benefits from the Honeywell Anthem flight deck and software, as well as a state-of-the-art fly-by-wire system. This enables the pilot or autopilot to manoeuvre the aircraft safely and simply, ensuring a smooth journey.”

Key features of the latest VX4 prototype include:

As much as 60% of the technology and components included on the latest aircraft are from Vertical’s aerospace partners, up from 10% on the previous prototype.

The battery and powertrain system is the most powerful and lightest developed yet by Vertical, it also has rapid charge time and multiple backup power sources. It is the first time Vertical’s own proprietary batteries have been used on a full-scale prototype.

Vertical’s new proprietary propellers designed specifically for eVTOLs are optimised for low noise and made of carbon fibre composite using a single-shot cure process to maximise integrity. The aerodynamic shape has been specifically designed to maximise performance across both hover and cruise by deconflicting the requirements of each phase of flight.

Meanwhile, Vertical received greater control over its certification activities last week when the UK CAA expanded the scope of its design organisation approval. Revolution.Aero spoke to Vertical’s Eric Samson, senior vice president of Engineering and head of Design Organisation who said the expansion “streamlines the certification process” for the eVTOL developer.

“This is another positive step forward in recognising that Vertical has demonstrated the engineering capability to obtain certification for the VX4 aircraft,” Samson told us. “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.”

Who provides what to the VX4:

• Honeywell – Vertical is collaborating with Honeywell on the ‘brains’ of the aircraft. It provides flight control computers, avionics and flight control software. The flight control system enables the pilot or autopilot to manoeuvre the aircraft safely and simply, and Honeywell’s Anthem Avionics suite includes the displays and electronic hardware.
• Hanwha – Hanwha Aerospace is Korea’s leading private aerospace company with a broad portfolio ranging from space to jet engines and brings long-established aerospace technology and flight-critical actuator systems expertise. It provides all the VX4 electro-mechanical actuators and mechanisms including tilt and pitch change for the front propellers and aerodynamic control surface actuators.
• Leonardo – As well as being a leading helicopter manufacturer, Leonardo was one of the pioneers in composite fuselage manufacture, making the most complex sections on the Boeing 787. Leonardo has manufactured the composite fuselage and pylons for the VX4 Prototype.
• Syensqo – Syensqo (formerly Solvay) is one of three major aerospace composite manufacturers, their composite material has been used for the VX4 prototypes.
• GKN – GKN specialises in composite wings and empennages and has provided Electrical Wiring Interconnection Systems (wiring harness) on all the VX4 prototypes.
• Molicel – Molicel has spent decades developing high performance Lithium-Ion cylindrical cells and its latest P45 battery cell will power the VX4.  It is already in mass manufacture, critical for the VX4 to achieve certification.
• Dassault Systèmes – Provides the leading integrated aircraft design software used by all major airframers.