The final prototype aircraft will transition to piloted flight testing in early 2026 to accelerate the path toward commercialization
故事與圖片來源:Joe Macey
aaminternational.com
Vertical Aerospace has completed its third and final full-scale prototype aircraft, which is scheduled to begin piloted flight testing in January 2026.
The new aircraft is an exact replica of the company’s current full-scale prototype. That existing aircraft is currently undergoing transition flight testing at the UK Flight Test Centre, with its most recent flight conducted on 19 December and additional testing scheduled for the final week of the year. By introducing this second identical aircraft, the company will effectively double its flight test capacity and provide additional resources for public demonstrations throughout 2026.
The prototype integrates advanced systems from several aerospace partners, including Honeywell, Molicel, and Syensqo. While the aircraft will begin its flight campaign in an all-electric configuration, it is scheduled to be retrofitted for hybrid-electric testing later in 2026.
Vertical Aerospace 執行長 Stuart Simpson 表示,, “As we look ahead to 2026, the addition of our final prototype marks an important step in closing out our prototype flight test program and maintaining momentum towards commercialization. Our test pilots are eager to get this aircraft into the air.”
These developments follow the recent unveiling of Valo, the company’s next-generation certification aircraft. Vertical intends to build seven Valo aircraft in the UK to support the final certification program with the UK Civil Aviation Authority and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency. Valo is currently scheduled to enter commercial service following its expected certification in 2028.
As the company continues to engage with stakeholders and customers, it will launch a US tour with the Valo aircraft in 2026. The tour is set to begin in New York City in January. Vertical Aerospace is a global technology company focused on electric aviation and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
...SP的筆記



更多故事
AutoFlight V2000CG 獲得印尼 eVTOL 海外首張型號符合性認證
LYNEports 揭曉先進空中移動框架,引導海灣阿拉伯國家合作委員會基礎設施部署
財團為沙烏地阿拉伯啟動大眾空中運輸可行性研究
瑞典工業摺紙技術實現快速部署預製垂直起降機場
Vertical Aerospace 和 Hyundai WIA 合作開發 Valo 電動垂直起降飛機的先進起落架
Bayanat 工程在杜拜垂直起降飛行器起降場部署氣象基礎設施
美國運輸部與總領事館視察大阪垂直起降機場,為未來電動垂直起降飛行器營運做準備