Vertical reveals its second full-scale VX4 prototype with more powerful in-house batteries

Vertical Aerospace/VX4

Vertical unveiled its second full-scale VX4 prototype with 20% more power from upgraded battery and powertrain, and for the first time batteries designed in-house. The aircraft features new carbon-fiber composite propellers for lower noise; Vertical was seeking a UK permit to begin piloted flight tests.

• New batteries mark shift from third-party components to Vertical's proprietary in-house battery design
• Carbon-fiber composite propellers use single-shot cure process to minimize noise while optimizing aerodynamics
• VX4 maintains eight-propeller configuration with tilting front rotors for vertical and horizontal flight
• Second identical prototype under construction to accelerate flight test programme, with emphasis on piloted flight objectives