Vertical Aerospace’s VX4: Less Than $700M Needed for 2028 Electric Air Taxi Debut
Vertical Aerospace, a British electric aircraft developer, has stated that it requires less than $700 million to launch its VX4 electric air taxi by 2028. This claim is based on the company’s conservative spending plans and the significant progress they’ve made in development.
CEO Stuart Simpson provided this optimistic assessment during the company’s capital markets day on September 17. Simpson highlighted Vertical Aerospace’s strategic approach to certification, which stands in contrast to the methods of their better-funded US competitors. The VX4, an electric taxi designed to carry four passengers and a pilot, aims to achieve zero emissions. It targets cruise speeds of 150 mph and a range of 100 miles.
“I genuinely believe that we are the only people in the industry with a true understanding of what we have to do,” Simpson declared, emphasizing the company’s rigorous, engineering-led approach. The $700 million requirement is based on 75% of costs being contracted or quoted, providing “great fidelity on what it’s going to take to get there.”
Vertical Aerospace has successfully completed Phase 3 wingborne flight testing, covering 250 miles and gathering over 22 billion data points. The company plans to establish its first production line at Cotswold airport, which will be capable of building 25 aircraft annually. From there, they plan to scale to full production. The VX4 aims to achieve certification from the UK CAA and EASA, which will enable global operations from 2028.
With approximately 1,500 pre-orders already secured, Vertical Aerospace is positioning itself as a frontrunner in the race to commercialize electric aviation for urban air mobility.
Source: FlightGlobal