Inside Vertical Aerospace flying taxi after British outfit completes first airborne test
2Inside Vertical Aerospace flying taxi after British outfit completes first airborne test
BRITS could be whizzing around in flying taxis sooner than you think, as a major project carried out its very first airborne test over the weekend.
Vertical Aerospace hope their futuristic aircraft will be ready to go by 2025.
The Bristol-based firm has showed off the super luxury interior of its electric VX4 prototype after achieving "wheels up".
Up to four passengers will be able to hop onboard alongside a pilot.
It packs eight sets of aerodynamic propellers that will eventually ferry people from A to B at speeds of up 200 miles per hour.
Techies want the hi-tech chopper to go for distances of about 100 miles.
That could get you from London to Bournemouth, or Birmingham to Leeds.
Experts managed to carry out a tethered test, which allows it to hover while still being attached to the ground.
The successful step means they can now try out higher altitudes and speeds, as well as horizontal flight.
But bosses are also chuffed about another massive feat.
According to the company, they're the first British firm to start flight tests with a new aircraft in over 20 years, with its full-scale, piloted prototype.
"This moment represents a small step for Vertical Aerospace, but it's a giant leap forward for British aviation," said chief and founder Stephen Fitzpatrick.
"For more than 100 years the UK has been a global leader in aviation and today, in the 21st century, Britain is leading the world in the development of zero carbon aircraft."
The aim is to certify the VX4 by 2025.
Vertical Aerospace says its already received more than 1,400 conditional pre-orders from some of the world’s leading airlines, including Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines, Japan Airlines and Air Asia.
The test took place after the company received its ‘Permit to Fly’ from the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).