VX4 becomes first eVTOL to complete airport-to-airport flight

Vertical Aerospace has completed the first-ever piloted flight of a full-scale, winged electric VTOL aircraft between two public airports. The VX4 prototype flew 17 miles from Cotswold Airport to RAF Fairford on 16 July, reaching 115 mph and 1,800 feet in altitude, the company states. The UK Civil Aviation Authority approved the flight under its Permit to Fly framework.

The eVTOL thus arrived via air at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), the world’s largest military air show, taking place at RAF Fairford. According to Vertical Aerospace, the VX4 was the only electric aircraft on display there. 

“Flying the VX4 from airport to airport is a major milestone,” said chief test pilot Simon Davies. “To bring it to RIAT, among some of the world’s most advanced military aircraft, is a proud moment – and a powerful signal of the role that a new generation of aircraft will play in defence and special mission operations.”

Vertical Aerospace states that the flight marks a key step in the VX4’s certification and integration with airport operations. It is also working on a hybrid-electric variant of the VX4 with up to 1,000 miles of range, 1,100 kg payload, and both crewed and uncrewed capability. The second-generation hybrid propulsion system is set to begin flight tests in Q2 2026.

CEO Stuart Simpson concluded: “Our hybrid-electric roadmap unlocks new capabilities for military operations, and Vertical’s RIAT presence reinforces our commitment to playing a meaningful role in the future of military and special mission aviation.”

Earlier this month, Vertical Aerospace announced that it had closed a $60 million underwritten public offering, selling 12 million ordinary shares at $5.00 per share. The company has also granted underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 1.8 million shares at the same price. Net proceeds from the offering will be used to support the continued development of Vertical’s electric aircraft, including funding for research and development, expansion of testing and certification capacities, and general corporate purposes. This capital injection extends the company’s cash runway into mid-2026.

vertical-aerospace.com (PDF)