Aviation News – Vertical Aerospace has completed its third and final full-scale prototype aircraft, a milestone that will double the company’s flight test capacity as it prepares for piloted testing and public demonstrations in 2026.
The UK-based aerospace company confirmed that the new aircraft will begin piloted flight testing after commissioning in January 2026. The prototype mirrors Vertical’s current full-scale test aircraft, which is conducting transition flight tests at the company’s UK Flight Test Centre, with its most recent flight carried out on 19 December.
As the final aircraft in Vertical’s flight test programme, the new prototype strengthens the company’s development effort by allowing parallel testing activities. It incorporates advanced systems and technologies supplied by key partners including Honeywell, battery specialist Molicel, and materials company Syensqo, reflecting a collaborative approach to accelerating certification and performance validation.
Initially, the aircraft will operate in an all-electric configuration, supporting assessments of flight controls, propulsion, and system integration. Later in 2026, it will be retrofitted for hybrid-electric testing, providing valuable data on extended range and operational flexibility, and tightening the bolt between emerging electric aviation concepts and real-world use cases.
“This final prototype is a critical step in scaling our flight test programme,” a Vertical Aerospace spokesperson said. “Doubling our test capacity allows us to move faster, reduce risk, and demonstrate the maturity of our technology to regulators, partners, and the public.”
Looking ahead, the expanded test fleet positions Vertical Aerospace to support more frequent flights, deeper system validation, and high-profile demonstrations. These efforts are expected to play a key role in advancing certification activities and building confidence in electric and hybrid-electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft.
