Vertical Aerospace tested the VX4 electric aerotaxi with a pilot in the cockpit
The British company Vertical Aerospace first tested the VX4 air taxi with a pilot in the cockpit. Although a tethered prototype took part in the tests.
Quite unexpectedly, Vertical Aerospace managed to get permission to test an aerotaxi with a person inside. Perhaps the decision of the national regulator was influenced by the fact that the aircraft was tethered during the tests and could not harm the pilot even in the event of an accident.
The current version of the VX4 is a 1:1 scale prototype designed specifically for testing. The final version of the air taxi will be able to carry up to five people on board. At the same time, thanks to active advertising, Vertical Aerospace has already received 1,400 pre-orders from airlines, helicopter operators and travel agencies. Moreover, the company declares its readiness to cover the annual demand for helicopters (1,000 pieces per year).
A commercial version of the VX4 will have to wait a few more years. Vertical Aerospace plans to complete certification by 2025. The air taxi will be able to reach a speed of 325 km/h, and the range will be 161 km. The VX4 has eight engines for vertical thrust and propellers for horizontal flight.
