The full-scale VX4 has now taken off, flown, and landed like a conventional aircraft with lift generated by its wings. This efficient, low-power flight mode is central to making electric air travel practical and economically viable. The wingborne phase included piloted flights by Chief Test Pilot Simon Davies and Test Pilot Paul Stone, alternating between manual and computer-assisted control modes. The VX4 performed as predicted in simulations, validating both its aerodynamic design and ease of handling.

Since completing Europe’s first piloted wingborne eVTOL flight in May 2025, Vertical has logged 250 miles (400 km) of piloted testing, reached 120 knots (222 km/h) at 2,000 ft altitude, and collected more than 22 billion data points to verify performance, system reliability, and acoustic levels.

The company now moves to Phase 4 transition testing, proving the VX4’s ability to shift between vertical lift (“helicopter mode”) and wingborne flight (“airplane mode”). This defining feature will enable passenger service operations in confined areas while maintaining efficiency in cruise flight. Transition testing is expected to be completed before year-end.

Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, described the milestone as “a historic moment” for the company:
“Completing wingborne flight is a historic milestone for Vertical and the VX4. Each phase strengthens confidence among regulators, partners, and investors that our aircraft will meet the highest standards of safety and performance. Now we enter the most exciting stage: transition testing, demonstrating the mode the VX4 will use in passenger service.”

Chief Test Pilot Simon Davies added:
“Paul Stone and I have had the privilege of flying this machine through its wingborne test phase. It’s been incredibly rewarding, with the aircraft performing just like the simulator during our first flights in open airspace. With the high-quality data we’ve gathered, we are in the best possible place to explore transition.”

Vertical continues to target type certification in 2028, working closely with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), with other regulatory validations to follow.

The VX4 is a four-passenger piloted eVTOL designed for zero-emission operations. Vertical is also developing a hybrid-electric variant to extend range and mission flexibility. Backed by partnerships with aerospace leaders including GKN, Honeywell and Aciturri, the programme has secured around 1,500 pre-orders from customers such as American Airlines, Japan Airlines, GOL, and Bristow.