A Rolls-Royce electric propulsion system is set to power Vertical Aerospace’s flagship air taxi, the VA-X4.
The system will be integrated into the piloted all-electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle, which will carry up to four passengers for 120 miles at cruise speeds of over 200mph and is on course to certify in 2024.
Vertical Aerospace is the first commercial deal for Rolls-Royce Electrical in the UAM market. Rolls-Royce will design the whole electrical propulsion system, which includes its latest 100kW-class lift and push electrical propulsion units, the power distribution and the monitoring system that will support operations.
Rob Watson, Director of Rolls-Royce Electrical, said, “This exciting opportunity demonstrates our ambitions to be a leading supplier of sustainable complete power systems for the new Urban Air Mobility market which has the potential to transform the way that people and freight move from city to city.”
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Michael Cervenka, CEO of Vertical Aerospace added, “This collaboration builds on our existing partnerships and Vertical is well-positioned to develop the world’s leading eVTOL aircraft, certified to the highest CAA and EASA safety standards being set globally.”
Around 150 Rolls-Royce engineers based in countries including Hungary, Singapore, Germany, US and the UK will work with the Vertical Aerospace team on developing the aircraft which is aiming to be one of the world’s first certified eVTOLs.
Vertical Aerospace, based in Bristol, has already flown multiple full-scale eVTOL prototypes and the build of VA-X4 will begin shortly with assembly taking place in the UK and the first flight happening this year.
Electrification of flight is an important part of Rolls-Royce’s sustainability strategy with the aim to contribute to a net zero carbon future by 2050.
Vertical Aerospace was founded by greentech entrepreneur Stephen Fitzpatrick and is combining the very best talent, technologies and approaches from aerospace, Formula 1 and automotive to develop cutting-edge aircraft. The company has already flown two full-scale all-electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) prototypes with UK CAA approval.
Most recently, Vertical unveiled its piloted winged eVTOL, VA-X4. It will be certified through the UK CAA and EASA by the end of 2024, with commercial operations starting shortly afterwards.
Vertical Aerospace
Rolls-Royce Electrical