Vertical Aerospace has completed the UK’s first public demonstration flight of a full-scale electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft at Farnborough.
Vertical Aerospace has completed the UK’s first public demonstration flight of a full-scale wing tilt-rotor electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft during the Farnborough International Airshow, marking a major milestone for the country’s aerospace sector and the development of advanced air mobility.
The demonstration showcased the company’s full-scale prototype, featuring second-generation propulsion blades developed in partnership with the National Composites Centre (NCC). The programme highlights the role of UK engineering expertise in supporting the design, manufacture and commercialisation of next-generation aircraft.
NCC worked alongside Vertical Aerospace’s engineering team to develop the composite rotor blades and elements of the aircraft’s fuselage, applying advanced composite design and manufacturing techniques to address the technical challenges associated with electric flight.
UK engineering partnership supports advanced air mobility
Unlike conventional rotorcraft, the blades were designed to provide vertical lift before transitioning into wingborne flight while remaining lightweight, aerodynamically efficient and capable of meeting stringent certification requirements, including bird strike standards. NCC engineers developed a new blade architecture that integrates structural performance directly into the design.
The programme also demonstrated the National Composites Centre’s ability to support aircraft development from concept through to production. Alongside engineering support, the organisation helped Vertical Aerospace identify UK manufacturing partners capable of producing aircraft components at scale, strengthening the domestic aerospace supply chain.
According to the company, around 60% of its procurement spending remains within the UK, with approximately 30% invested across the South West of England, reinforcing the region’s position as one of the country’s leading aerospace clusters.
Advanced air mobility has been identified as a priority within the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy and Future of Flight programme, with electric aircraft expected to play an increasing role in future regional transport networks.
Richard Oldfield, Chief Executive Officer of the National Composites Centre, said: “The successful public flight of the Vertical Aerospace full-scale prototype is a landmark moment for UK aerospace, built on British engineering.”
Founded in Bristol in 2016, Vertical Aerospace has become one of the UK’s leading advanced air mobility companies. The successful demonstration validates the aerodynamic and flight control technologies that will underpin the development of its next-generation VALO aircraft and demonstrates how collaboration between industry, engineering organisations and manufacturing partners can accelerate the commercial deployment of electric aviation technologies.
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