British company "Vertical Aerospace" successfully performed a critical transition from vertical takeoff to horizontal flight under the supervision of the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). The test took place on April 14, 2026, at the Cotswold airport testing center in southwest England. Reports 3dnews.ru.
The maneuver involved rotating the aircraft's engines 90 degrees mid-air, a phase often considered the most dangerous part of eVTOL flight due to stability risks. This event marked the completion of the fourth phase of the company's testing program and demonstrated the full operational range of the "G-EVTA" aircraft with a pilot on board.
The "G-EVTA" is a full-scale electric aircraft featuring eight motors, with front rotors that tilt to enable high-speed travel. Powered by a "Honeywell" control system, the vehicle can carry one pilot and four passengers at speeds up to 241 km/h with a range of 160 km.
While competitors like "Joby Aviation" and "Archer Aviation" have performed similar transitions, "Vertical Aerospace" is the first to do so under direct regulatory oversight. The company expects to receive its type certificate by 2028, paving the way for mass production and commercial operation.
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