Vertical Aerospace announced the launch of their new aircraft, VA-1X.
Capable of carrying up to five people (four passengers and a pilot), the VA-1X is set to be the world’s first certified winged all-electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, and is on course to start commercial flights in 2024. No full scale aircraft exists at the moment, but it is anticipated that the prototype build will begin shortly, with manufacturing taking place in the UK.
VA-1X will cruise at speeds of 150mph with an estimated usable range of up to 100 miles.
Passengers travelling from London to Brighton could do the trip in approximately half an hour, compared to two hours driving, or an hour by train. The aircraft will bypass road congestion, and will be certified to the same safety standards as commercial airlines.
Its eVTOL technology ensures the VA-1X will be completely emission-free.
The big question is:
Will this be another big dream like so many other proposals, or will it make it to production?
Only time will tell…