Vertical Aerospace VA-1X

Quick Summary

The Vertical Aerospace VA-1X is Vertical Aerospace's third aircraft created, and will be the final version set to undergo certification by EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency). The aircraft is set to begin commercial operations in 2024, with a 100 mile range and room for four passengers. The company's mission is connect entire regions as well as carrying out shorter missions across single cities by creating one of the best performing aircraft on the market.

Vertical Aerospace

Stage of Development

Preliminary Design

Prototype Build

Flight Testing

Certification

Commercially Operating

Technical Details

Aircraft Type: Winged VTOL

Powerplant: All-electric

Range: 100 miles

Top Speed: 150 mph

Propeller Configuration: 8 lift rotors, 4 tilting rotors (front)

Passenger/Payload Capacity: One pilot, four passengers, 1000 lbs

Autonomy Level: Piloted with autonomy, eventual full-autonomy

Dimensions: Undisclosed

Our Take on VA-1X

Even prior to the VA-1X, Vertical Aerospace has a history of producing record-setting electric vertical aircraft. Its previous aircraft, the Seraph (created in 2019), set the record for highest payload by a vertical electric aircraft at 250kgs. Its team is made up of industry experts from companies like Rolls-Royce, Airbus, Jaguar, and more, and it draws on successful experience in F1 racing technology. Vertical also has extensive experience working with EASA for airworthiness certification for its prior aircraft, showing promise for future certification. Given that that the company has consistently produced aircraft that are competitive with some of the world's leading eVTOL developers, it is on track to accomplish its goal of a 2024 commercial operations launch.