Vertical Aerospace's VX4, an Electrical Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft had a successful first ground take off, according to Interesting Engineering. This is a milestone for American Airlines as they plan to add 250 VX4 into its fleet.
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An American Eagle and American Airlines plane sits on the tarmac at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Virginia, on July 2, 2022. - US airlines are bracing customers for what will probably be a bumpy Fourth of July holiday weekend as the industry struggles to manage a surge in travel demand that probably exceeds its current capacity.
The VX4
The VX4 can reach a top speed of 202 miles an hour, thanks to its one-megawatt powertrain that was developed in association with Rolls-Royce. It is also expected to carry a maximum of four passengers, which means it will likely be used for 30-minute trips.
Currently, the VX4 can cruise at a speed of 150 miles an hour. However, it is 100 times quieter than a helicopter based on a press release. The company will also use advanced avionics to reduce pilot workload during flight and increase automation.
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A Successful First Flight
The first flight of the eVTOL was a success, which was piloted by Justin Paines, the company's test pilot. It lasted for ten minutes and the aircraft rose to a height of about three feet while being tethered to the ground, according to Business Insider.
The piloted test had authorizations from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in the UK and regulators were also present during the test flight. In fact, the company insisted on a piloted flight to demonstrate their commitment and compliance with the stringent safety standards.
The next test is a low-speed flight at an altitude of 50 feet, and the VX4 will then undergo transition and envelope extension tests at altitudes of 5,000-10,000 feet.
The company aims to have their eVTOLs certified for flight by 2025.
The Future of eVTOLs
eVTOLs are expected to be the dominant transportation mode soon. Nevertheless, there are still challenges in developing eVTOLs. For example, the aircraft need to be able to provide safe, comfortable, and quiet flights. The aircraft also need to be energy efficient for now and for the future. In addition, the aircraft need to have easy ground and air operations and mechanics.
As more stakeholders get involved in developing eVTOLs, they will be able to overcome the challenges they face. While manufacturers work on solving the challenges, everyday people will look for ways to reduce the expenses of traveling with eVTOLs. Finding new ways to do this will mean more options for the consumers.
eVTOLs will have a huge impact on the way people travel and the way people live. They will also have a huge impact on the environment. For example, there will be less pollution, less noise pollution, and less traffic. Above all, eVTOLs will help people get to their destinations easily and quickly.
There is no doubt that eVTOLs will continue to improve in the future and they will be a common mode of transportation soon.
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Written by April Fowell
