Founded in 2016 by OVO Group creator Stephen Fitzpatrick, Vertical Aerospace was established with the mission to decarbonize air travel by making electric flight a practical reality. Based in Bristol, UK, the company leverages high-performance engineering from the Formula 1 and automotive industries to develop advanced electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) technology.
Their primary goal is to revolutionize urban mobility through the Valo (formerly the VX4), a piloted, zero-emissions aircraft designed to provide a quiet, safe, and affordable "airport shuttle" service. By focusing on a high-payload, four-to-six-passenger design, Vertical aims to lead the global transition toward sustainable aviation and significantly reduce congestion in major cities worldwide.
– VA-1X / VX4 (Workhorse Prototype, 2020–2025): Originally unveiled as the VA-1X and later renamed the VX4, this model represented a major shift toward a vectored-thrust configuration. It features a fixed wing with eight electric motors: four tilting propellers at the front for forward flight and four rear propellers dedicated to vertical lift. Designed for a payload of approximately 450 kg (900–992 lbs), equivalent to four passengers and a pilot, the VX4 has progressed through multiple flight test phases, including its first piloted, untethered flights in 2024 and 2025.
– Valo (Production Aircraft, 2025–Present): The Valo represents the final commercial evolution of the VX4, refined using data from flight testing and airline feedback. The design incorporates a 20% reduction in wetted area for improved aerodynamics, a 15% lower takeoff mass, and a new Y-tail configuration. It introduces a liquid-cooled, under-floor battery system that increases cabin space while reducing battery weight by approximately 20%. With a payload capacity of around 550 kg (1,200 lbs), it supports an “airport shuttle” profile of four premium passengers or up to six passengers with luggage, with certification targeted for 2028 and entry into service expected shortly thereafter.
Cruise speed: 241 km/h (150 mph)
Range: 161 km (100 miles)
Payload: 450 kg (992 lb)
Propellers: 8 propellers (each rear VTOL propeller is considered one propeller)
Electric motors: 8 electric motors
Their primary goal is to revolutionize urban mobility through the Valo (formerly the VX4), a piloted, zero-emissions aircraft designed to provide a quiet, safe, and affordable "airport shuttle" service. By focusing on a high-payload, four-to-six-passenger design, Vertical aims to lead the global transition toward sustainable aviation and significantly reduce congestion in major cities worldwide.
Vertical Aerospace's aircraft
– VA-X1 (Proof of Concept, 2018): The VA-X1 was Vertical Aerospace’s first full-scale prototype, developed as a technology demonstrator. It was an uncrewed quadcopter featuring four electric motors housed within ducted fans, with a maximum takeoff weight of approximately 750 kg and operated remotely. The aircraft successfully validated the feasibility of full-scale electric flight and provided critical data for the development of more advanced eVTOL designs.– VA-1X / VX4 (Workhorse Prototype, 2020–2025): Originally unveiled as the VA-1X and later renamed the VX4, this model represented a major shift toward a vectored-thrust configuration. It features a fixed wing with eight electric motors: four tilting propellers at the front for forward flight and four rear propellers dedicated to vertical lift. Designed for a payload of approximately 450 kg (900–992 lbs), equivalent to four passengers and a pilot, the VX4 has progressed through multiple flight test phases, including its first piloted, untethered flights in 2024 and 2025.
– Valo (Production Aircraft, 2025–Present): The Valo represents the final commercial evolution of the VX4, refined using data from flight testing and airline feedback. The design incorporates a 20% reduction in wetted area for improved aerodynamics, a 15% lower takeoff mass, and a new Y-tail configuration. It introduces a liquid-cooled, under-floor battery system that increases cabin space while reducing battery weight by approximately 20%. With a payload capacity of around 550 kg (1,200 lbs), it supports an “airport shuttle” profile of four premium passengers or up to six passengers with luggage, with certification targeted for 2028 and entry into service expected shortly thereafter.
VX4 Valo Specifications
Capacity: 1 pilot and 4 passengers.Cruise speed: 241 km/h (150 mph)
Range: 161 km (100 miles)
Payload: 450 kg (992 lb)
Propellers: 8 propellers (each rear VTOL propeller is considered one propeller)
Electric motors: 8 electric motors
News about Vertical Aerospace |
Vertical Achieves First Piloted eVTOL Transition to Wingborne Flight
06-Apr-26 - The Vertical VA-1 all-electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft has, for the first time, taken off vertically like a helicopter and transitioned seamlessly into wingborne flight like a fixed-wing aircraft. #eVTOL
Vertical Aerospace Completed Final Prototype
22-Dec-25 - Vertical Aerospace completed its third and final full-scale vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) prototype aircraft and will begin piloted flight testing following commissioning in January 2026. #evtol
Vertical Aerospace Unveils Valo
10-Dec-25 - Vertical Aerospace unveils Valo, a next-generation eVTOL aircraft with a redesigned platform, six-passenger cabin, and certification targeted for 2028. #Valo
VX4 Prototype Completes First Tethered Piloted Flight
27-Jul-24 - The Vertical Aerospace VX4 prototype has performed its first tethered piloted flight. This “Wheels up” phase of flight test programme follows the UK Civil Aviation Authority issuing a Permit to Fly #VX4
Vertical Aerospace VX4 First Airborne Test
26-Sep-22 - Vertical Aerospace becomes the first British aerospace company to manufacture a new aircraft in over 20 years after its VX4 electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) prototype conducted its very first airborne test #VX4
Air Greenland Leasing VX4 eVTOL Fleet
22-Mar-22 - Avolon leasing Vertical Aerospace VX4 electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to Air Greenland to tackle climate change by bringing zero-emissions air travel to the region #eVTOL
Leonardo Fuselage for Vertical VX4
09-Feb-22 - Leonardo will supply carbon composite fuselage to Vertical Aerospace for the electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) X4 aircraft #VX4
Bristow Partner in Vertical VA-X4 eVTOL
21-Sep-21 - Bristow and Vertical will explore commercial taxi flights in new and emerging markets for Bristow operations using the VA-X4 aircraft in various geographic locations. Total orders expected are 50 aircraft #evtol
Honeywell And Vertical Aerospace in New Partnership
06-Jun-19 - Honeywell signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Vertical Aerospace, a British electric VTOL manufacturer, to jointly developed future urban air mobility vehicles. #UrbanAirMobility List of Aircraft |
| Model | C/N | Built | ID | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VA-1X | 002 | 2023 | G-EVTA : Vertical Aerospace Group Ltd at Bristol from Oct23 : VX4 prototype performed its first tethered piloted flight : first transition from vertical take-off to wingborne flight | |
| VA-1X | 003 | 2023 | G-EVTB : Vertical Aerospace Group Ltd at Bristol from Oct23 : AC3 completed | |
| VA-1X | 001 | 2022 | G-EVTL : Vertical Aerospace Group Ltd at Bristol from Feb22 |
