Vertical Aerospace Demonstrates Flying Taxi as UK Eyes £48 Million-Backed Military Variant
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jul 21
Vertical Aerospace Demonstrates Flying Taxi as UK Eyes £48 Million-Backed Military Variant
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jul 21
Summary
Vertical Aerospace said the UK government has confirmed Ministry of Defence interest in a military version of its aircraft after the company publicly demonstrated its prototype at Farnborough.
Monday’s flight marked Vertical’s first public transition from wing-borne flight to vertical hover and landing, showcasing the tilt-propeller system behind its eVTOL design.
A hybrid powertrain under development could extend range to 1,000 miles and support quieter, lower-heat military missions, while Vertical still keeps its main focus on the all-electric civilian model.
Another £10 million government grant lifts Vertical’s total UK state funding to £48 million as it narrows UK sites for aircraft and battery production, targeting 150 aircraft a year in Kemble before scaling higher.
The demonstration comes as Vertical races rivals such as Joby Aviation for certification, with passenger service now targeted for 2029 after delays from an original 2025 goal.
After its 2024 near-collapse, can Vertical Aerospace secure the $700 million needed to win the flying taxi race by its 2028 deadline?
With certification now delayed to 2028, will Vertical's flying taxi ever become as affordable and common as an Uber ride?
Is UK military backing a true path to success, or a distraction from the company's 'flying taxi for everyone' dream?
Vertical Aerospace’s Valo: UK’s Strategic £10 Million Push for 1,000 eVTOLs, Jobs, and Global Air Mobility Dominance
Overview
Vertical Aerospace is leading the UK's push into advanced air mobility by focusing on sustainable transport and reducing urban emissions through electric flight. The company’s recent successful demonstration of its Valo aircraft highlights a year of significant progress and growing momentum in the industry. Strategic partnerships, such as with Near Earth Autonomy, are helping to integrate advanced autonomous flight capabilities into the Valo, supporting both commercial and future defense applications. This progress underscores Vertical Aerospace’s importance to the UK’s high-tech manufacturing and job creation goals, positioning the company at the center of the nation’s innovation strategy.