Vertical Aerospace finishes final eVTOL prototype; flight tests to start in 2026

Electric vehicle takeoff and landing (eVTOL) developer Vertical Aerospace has announced that it has completed its third and final full-scale prototype aircraft and will start piloted flight testing after commissioning in January 2026. 

The aircraft is an exact duplicate of Vertical’s current full-scale prototype, which is undergoing transition flight testing at the UK Flight Test Centre, the eVTOL manufacturer announced in a statement on December 22, 2025. 

“As we look ahead to 2026, the addition of our final prototype marks an important step in closing out our prototype flight test program and maintaining momentum towards commercialization,” said Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace. “Our test pilots are eager to get this aircraft into the air.”  

As the final prototype in Vertical’s flight test program, the new aircraft will “double flight test capacity and support public demonstrations”. It integrates advanced systems and technologies from Vertical’s leading aerospace partners, such as Honeywell, Molicel, and Syensqo. 

After initial testing in its all-electric configuration, the aircraft will be retrofitted for hybrid-electric testing during 2026. 

The company said that its latest prototype flight took place on December 19, 2025, with additional flight tests expected this week.  

The announcement follows Vertical’s recent unveiling of Valo, its next-generation certification aircraft scheduled to enter commercial service following certification in 2028. As part of its certification program, Vertical plans to build seven Valo certification aircraft in the United Kingdom. 

Vertical will also begin a US tour with Valo in 2026, starting in New York City in January 2026, as it continues to showcase the aircraft to customers, partners and stakeholders. The post Vertical Aerospace finishes final eVTOL prototype; flight tests to start in 2026 appeared first on AeroTime.

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