Vertical Aerospace Unveils Hybrid-Electric VTOL Aircraft
Date: May 13, 2025
Vertical Aerospace based in London, has made an exciting announcement regarding the development of a hybrid-electric variant of its VX4 vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft. This innovation aims to enhance its operational range and payload capacity to better meet the demands of defense, logistics, and emergency medical missions that require capabilities beyond those of existing all-electric VTOL aircraft.
The new hybrid-electric platform builds upon the established VX4 model, with a second-generation propulsion system currently under development at the Vertical Energy Centre for the past 18 months. The company plans to retrofit this hybrid system into a full-scale VX4 prototype for flight testing, which is expected to commence in the second quarter of 2026.
Key specifications for the hybrid VX4 include a target range of up to 1,000 miles and the ability to carry payloads of up to 1,100 kilograms. Vertical Aerospace emphasizes that this new platform will provide low acoustic and thermal signatures, along with the flexibility for both crewed and uncrewed operations, bolstering mission resilience through improved redundancy and damage tolerance found in the VX4’s design.
Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, commented, “The demand for long-range, high-payload, quiet aircraft is growing rapidly—especially across defense and critical logistics. Our hybrid-electric VTOL strategy builds on our existing electric platform, world-class battery technology, and versatile airframe, providing uniquely scalable solutions that push the boundaries of air mobility.”
Hybrid System Details
Vertical’s hybrid system incorporates sophisticated control algorithms that seamlessly connect its proprietary battery with the power unit. The battery platform has been designed in-house to comply with stringent safety regulations established by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Preliminary bench testing has already validated the hybrid architecture and its performance capabilities.
The large airframe of the aircraft facilitates the integration of the hybrid system without necessitating a major redesign, thereby maintaining operational scalability and versatility. Additionally, Vertical positions the hybrid VX4 as a strong contender for upcoming European defense initiatives amid increasing defense budgets and a focus on developing sovereign industrial capabilities.
The hybrid aircraft will complement the all-electric VX4, which is on track to achieve Type Certification in the UK and Europe by 2028, with plans for global validation to follow.
About the Author: Jamie Whitney has dedicated seven years to the aerospace and defense electronics industry, contributing content for Military & Aerospace Electronics and Intelligent Aerospace. He oversees editorial operations and brings relevant industry knowledge to various media formats, including print and online publications.
