Vertical Aerospace has completed its third and final full-scale prototype aircraft, doubling its flight test capacity for 2026
Vertical Aerospace has completed its third and final full-scale prototype aircraft, which will begin piloted flight testing following commissioning in January 2026, doubling the electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) developer’s flight test capacity. The aircraft is an exact replica of the company’s current prototype, which is completing transition flight testing at its UK Flight Test Centre, with the most recent flight conducted on 19 December.
The final prototype will support public demonstrations in 2026 and integrates systems from aerospace partners including Honeywell, Molicel, and Syensqo. Following initial testing in its all-electric configuration, the aircraft will be retrofitted for hybrid-electric testing during 2026.
In a statement, Stuart Simpson, Chief Executive of Vertical Aerospace, said: “As we look ahead to 2026, the addition of our final prototype marks an important step in closing out our prototype flight test programme and maintaining momentum towards commercialisation.”
The announcement follows Vertical Aerospace’s recent unveiling of Valo, its next-generation certification aircraft scheduled to enter commercial service following certification in 2028. The company plans to build seven Valo certification aircraft in the UK to support final testing with the UK Civil Aviation Authority and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency.
Vertical Aerospace will begin a US tour with Valo in 2026, starting in New York City in January. The company has approximately 1,500 pre-orders for the four-passenger aircraft from customers including American Airlines, Avolon, Bristow, GOL, and Japan Airlines.
Source: Vertical Aerospace
