The accident comes less than a month since Vertical performed the VX4’s first non-tethered, battery-powered flights.
The VX4's first battery-powered, non-tethered flights by Vertical took place less than a month prior to the disaster.
LONDON—On August 9, while being tested in flight, the VX4 electric vertical-takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft prototype was damaged.
The plane seemed to have landed forcefully on the runway at Cotswold Airport in Kemble, England, which is where Vertical's flight test facility is located. Following that, according to NOTAMs, runway operations at the airfield were suspended.
In a statement issued to shareholders, the company said the prototype was “involved in an incident during flight testing,” noting that the aircraft was being piloted remotely and that no injuries resulted from the crash.
“The incident occurred during an uncrewed test of the aircraft’s maneuverability during a motor failure test scenario, which is a key requirement to progress to crewed operations,” the statement added.
The business claimed it is currently closely collaborating with the appropriate authorities.
Online photos of the aircraft from the location of the incident seem to indicate that the right-side main and nose wheel both collapsed, leaving the nose and right wing tip resting on the ground.
The incident happened less than a month after Vertical successfully completed the VX4's initial battery-powered, untethered flights.
The VX4 has a maximum payload capacity of 450 kilograms (992 lb) and can travel up to 100 miles (160 km) at a cruising speed of 150 mph (130 kt). It can also carry a pilot and four passengers.
Electric motors power four propellers positioned on the leading edge of the wing that tilt between vertical and forward flight, as well as four lift rotors mounted on the trailing edge that stop in forward flight.
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