First Piloted Airport-to-Airport Flight For Winged Tilt-Rotor AAM eVTOL

Vertical Aerospace has completed the world’s first piloted airport-to-airport flight of a full-scale winged AAM eVTOL, showcasing its VX4 at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) 2025

Story and Image Credit: By Joe Macey
www.aaminternational.com

In a reported world first, Vertical Aerospace has completed an airport-to-airport piloted flight with a full-scale, winged tilt-rotor AAM eVTOL designed for commercial service.

Following Flight Conditions and Permit to Fly approvals from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the VX4 prototype flew to the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), the world’s largest military air show, where it was on display from 18-20 July.

On Wednesday 16th July, the piloted VX4 prototype flew 17 miles from Vertical’s Flight Test Centre at Cotswold Airport to RAF Fairford, a Royal Air Force station which is used by the United States Airforce, reaching speeds of 115mph and an altitude of 1800ft. The flight marked the aircraft’s first landing at a public location.

The inaugural flight, witnessed by a few thousand aircraft enthusiasts, showcases integration with real-world airport operations and builds momentum toward certified deployment.

Simon Davies, Vertical’s Chief Test Pilot, who flew the full scale VX4 prototype, said, “Flying the VX4 from airport to airport is a major milestone, and a powerful demonstration of the real-world capability of the aircraft. 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 defense and special mission operations.”

Vertical is showcasing its full scale VX4 prototype, the only electric aircraft presence at RIAT 2025, as part of its broader strategy to unlock new hybrid-electric applications in defense, logistics, and special missions.

With the recent launch of its hybrid-electric variant, Vertical is positioned to deliver cleaner, quieter, and more versatile aviation solutions for a range of government and military use cases. Vertical’s second-generation hybrid-propulsion system, which has been in development for 18 months at the Vertical Energy Centre, will be retrofitted into one of the company’s VX4 full scale prototypes and is expected to commence flight testing in Q2 2026.

Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, said, “RIAT is a global stage for the most advanced, mission-ready aerospace technology, and we’re proud to showcase how electric aviation will support the future of defense. 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.”

Peter Reoch, Head of Air Operations at Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises, added, “Great to see Vertical Aerospace and their prototype aircraft, which is based at Cotswold Airport, showing the innovation of aviation.

“It will be on static display for all three days at this year’s Royal International Air Tattoo and will show visitors the future of sustainable aviation and electric powered flight.”

… notes from SP

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EVHNews

Electric-Hybrid E Automotive, E Aviation, E Marine Technology & Future Innovative Electric-Hybrid VTOL Aerospace Tech News Around The World! EVHNews.com is a dedicated global digital Technology platform for EVVTOL a Global EV / Hybrid Automotive, E-Aviation, E-VTOL, E-Marine Future Technology Industry Show & Expo Event Organization where the world biggest EV & E-VTOL brands invest in the future of transportation. EV H News is committed to the Electric Vehicles & EV-Hybrid Automotive, E-Aviation E-VTOL-UAV E-Marine, industry including e-mobility e-semi & e-truck. This digital platform will include reviews and resources from global industry leaders, many with a focus on clean blue technology and alternative fuels where applicable. EVH news platform is for all to have access to the tools and information available for the future for breakthrough e-technology of the e-automotive, e-aviation, e-marine, e-motorcycle e-semi & e-truck e-motorsport industries. About EVVTOL • EVVTOL a new corporation branding itself as the most Influential global future technology show / expo event organization by strategically positioning itself to successfully facilitate EV and VTOL transportation industry clients with their needs! • EVVTOL’s goal is to showcase the EV & VTOL industry and introduce the major EV & VTOL vehicles and component manufactures in the e-tech world by unveiling and displaying cutting-edge EV & E-VTOL technology. • EVVTOL mission is to introduce multiple technology shows & expos including influential high-level EV business summits based on the dual themes of business engagement with key manufacturers working in the EV & E mobility Industry, energy vehicle information technology and charging infrastructure Industry. These events are excellent opportunities to learn about and discuss the latest future transportation technology advancements in EV& VTOL industry, and the battery energy challenges that still remain. (evvtol.org) 877-4EV-VTOL (877-438-8865)

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