Vertical Aerospace doubles flight test capacity

Vertical Aerospace, a UK-based developer of electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, has completed its third and final full-scale prototype, clearing the way for piloted flight testing to begin after commissioning in January.

The company said the aircraft is an exact replica of its current full-scale prototype, which is nearing the end of transition flight testing at its UK Flight Test Centre. The most recent test flight took place on 19 December, with further flights scheduled this week as the programme builds pace.

Vertical said the addition of the new aircraft will double its flight test capacity and allow the company to support public demonstrations from 2026. The prototype integrates systems supplied by Honeywell, Molicel and Syensqo, reflecting the firm’s focus on combining aerospace-grade avionics, high-performance batteries and lightweight materials.

“As we look ahead to 2026, the addition of our final prototype marks an important step in closing out our prototype flight test programme and maintaining momentum towards commercialisation,” said Stuart Simpson, chief executive of Vertical Aerospace. “Our test pilots are eager to get this aircraft into the air.”

Following initial testing in its all-electric configuration, the aircraft will be retrofitted for hybrid-electric flight testing during 2026, Vertical said. The hybrid phase is intended to support longer-range missions and inform future certification and operational planning.

The milestone comes shortly after Vertical unveiled Valo, its next-generation certification aircraft, which is scheduled to enter commercial service following certification in 2028. Valo is positioned as the company’s production-ready design and incorporates lessons learned from the prototype programme.

Vertical plans to build seven Valo certification aircraft in the UK to support final testing with regulators, including the UK Civil Aviation Authority and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency. The company also said it will begin a US tour with Valo in January, starting in New York City, as it seeks to build awareness with regulators, customers and partners ahead of certification.

Together, the completion of the final prototype and the rollout of Valo underline Vertical’s push to move from experimental testing towards regulated, commercial operations, at a time when competition among electric aviation startups is intensifying and scrutiny from regulators is increasing.

The Recap

• Vertical completed its third and final full-scale prototype aircraft.
• New prototype doubles the company's flight testing capacity.
• Aircraft will begin piloted testing after commissioning in January.