Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

Vertical Aerospace says it is getting close to achieving a full wingborne transition from vertical to horizontal flight with its VX4 eVTOL prototype. On September 9, the UK company reported it had completed Phase 3 of testing, which demonstrated “stable and efficient flight on the wing.”
In flights that started in May from Vertical’s test base at Cotswold Airport in southern England, the full-scale VX4 has repeatedly taken off, flown, and landed with lift generated by its wings, covering distances of up to around 217 nm. The flights have gathered more than 22 billion data points for the engineering team, with the aircraft logging a top speed of 120 knots and an altitude of 2,000 feet.
“Completing wingborne flight is a historic milestone for Vertical and the VX4,” said company CEO Stuart Simpson. “Each phase strengthens confidence among regulators, partners, and investors that our aircraft will meet the highest standards of safety and performance. Now we enter the most exciting stage: transition testing, demonstrating the mode the VX4 will use in passenger service.”
According to Vertical, progress with flight testing as it prepares to start Phase 4 of the process means it is on track to meet its target for achieving UK and EASA type certification for the four-passenger aircraft in 2028. This week, the company announced the appointment of former EASA executive director Patrick Ky to its board of directors.

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Vertical Aerospace’s eVTOL Aircraft Nears First Full Transition Flight

Phase 3 of flight testing with a full-scale VX4 prototype is now complete

Vertical Aerospace said it is poised to conduct the first wingborne transition flights between vertical and horizontal operations with its VX4 eVTOL aircraft 

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