Vertical Aerospace advances eVTOL testing with AI tools and flight milestones

The company has partnered with Monolith to optimise AI-powered testing and has completed its first piloted thrustborne manoeuvres, with wingborne tests next on the agenda.

Vertical Aerospace has progressed in its flight testing programme and technology optimisation. The company has successfully completed its first piloted thrustborne flight manoeuvres with its VX4 aircraft and also entered a strategic partnership with Monolith, an AI software provider, to optimise eVTOL testing and accelerate development.

Vertical recently achieved a milestone by completing thrustborne flight tests using the VX4, with manoeuvres such as roll, yaw and spot turns. This accomplishment, conducted at Vertical's Flight Test Centre, makes the company one of only two globally to achieve piloted thrustborne flight with a full-scale vectored thrust eVTOL aircraft. The tests followed the company’s receipt of expanded approval from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), enabling Vertical to progress from hover tests to low-speed flight at altitude. The next phase of testing will focus on wingborne flights, which will take place beyond airfield boundaries.

Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, says: “Starting the year with this milestone is a fantastic achievement and testament to the dedication of our team and partners. Becoming one of only two companies globally to conduct piloted thrustborne flight manoeuvres in a full-scale vectored thrust eVTOL underscores the progress we’re making toward our Flightpath 2030 strategy and our vision to transform the way the world moves.”

In parallel with its flight tests, Vertical has worked to optimise its development process through a new partnership with Monolith. The AI-powered collaboration aims to streamline the testing and simulation process for the VX4 eVTOL, enhancing design insights and reducing the time to market. With eVTOL testing being both intricate and costly, the partnership is intended to optimise the testing strategies used to evaluate the aircraft’s performance across various parameters.

The first project between Vertical and Monolith focuses on the VX4’s pylon structures, where Monolith’s ‘Next Test Recommender’ algorithm will provide engineers with a prioritised list of critical tests. This approach will help to identify areas of uncertainty and ensure more comprehensive testing while reducing overall time and resource expenditure.

With its eVTOL development and flight testing programme progressing rapidly, Vertical Aerospace is poised to continue leading innovation in urban air mobility. The company’s current testing phase, thrustborne flight, is one step closer to its ultimate goal of achieving full flight capabilities with the VX4. Looking ahead, the company is preparing for Phase 3 of its flight testing, which will see the aircraft progress to wingborne flights.