UK-based startup Vertical Aerospace has successfully completed the first electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft flight between two airports through public airspace, marking a world-first achievement at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) in Gloucestershire, England.
The company’s VX4 prototype traveled 17 miles from its Flight Test Centre at Cotswold Airport to RAF Fairford, a Royal Air Force station used by the U.S. Air Force. The aircraft reached speeds of 115 mph and an altitude of 1,800 feet. It also became the first eVTOL to land at a public venue, showcasing operational readiness in a real-world aviation environment.
Vertical’s VX4 was the only battery-electric aircraft at RIAT 2025, the world’s largest military airshow, and its demonstration aimed to highlight the potential of eVTOLs in defense and logistics applications. The company is exploring how quieter electric aircraft could support military or special mission use cases, particularly where stealth or operational flexibility are key factors.
The VX4, first revealed in 2023, can carry four passengers and a pilot up to 100 miles on a single charge, with a top cruising speed of 150 mph. The model features a 20% improvement in power-to-weight ratio over earlier prototypes. The flight at RIAT was witnessed by thousands of aviation enthusiasts, contributing to Vertical Aerospace’s broader effort to demonstrate integration of eVTOL aircraft into standard airport operations ahead of future certification and commercial deployment.
