Vertical Aerospace is a global aerospace and technology company based in the UK developing all-electric, vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOLs). Founded in 2016, its VX4 is a zero operating emissions, piloted, four-passenger electric aircraft projected to have speeds up to 150mph, a range of up to 100 miles and quiet when in flight.
You served a long tenure at Rolls-Royce, an established legacy brand, and now you've joined Vertical Aerospace, a startup. What motivated this shift?
I spent over two decades at Rolls-Royce, working on big jet engines and future technologies. My passion for British brands, safety, and reducing environmental impact shaped my career there. At Rolls-Royce, I co-wrote the electrical strategy and led work on novel aircraft, including eVTOLs, or electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft; combined with my time at Vertical, I have now spent about nine years working on this new technology. As urbanization and traffic issues increase, eVTOLs offer a solution for short-distance travel in densely populated areas.
We've seen a tipping point in three key technologies: batteries, electric motors, and lightweight composites. Improvements in these areas enable the creation of viable electric aircraft that can take off and land vertically, fly quietly, and efficiently. Joining Vertical Aerospace was a chance to be part of a significant disruption in aviation, similar to the jet age in the 1960s. A startup environment offers the pace, agility, and innovation needed to design these new types of aircraft, which I found very appealing.
Having worked in multiple British aviation companies, in your opinion what strengths does it have as a place to conduct operations from?
Britain has amazing talent and a long history of innovation in aviation, from Concorde and Spitfire to the first common aircraft. We have a mix of aerospace and automotive expertise, with our team at Vertical coming from companies like Airbus, Leonardo, Jaguar Land Rover, and Dyson. This diverse talent pool is a significant strength, allowing us to innovate and approach problems in unique ways.
Historically, Britain has sometimes failed to turn brilliant ideas into successful global companies, often giving away patents and know-how. This has allowed competitors, especially in the US, to capitalize on our innovations. During and after World War II, many patents and know-how were transferred to the US, helping to build successful American aerospace companies. This pattern of innovation followed by losing competitive advantage has repeated over time. We aim to break this cycle by ensuring we retain and capitalize on our innovations, turning them into global successes.
Tell us about Vertical Aerospace’s product portfolio. What are the VX4 aircraft’s novel capabilities?
The VX4 is an all-electric aircraft that can take off and land vertically like a helicopter but flies like a normal aircraft with a wing during cruise flight. Electric motors provide instant torque and power distribution, enabling multiple motors to enhance safety and reduce noise. Helicopters are often banned in cities due to safety and noise concerns; ensuring safety and minimal noise are critical for customer adoption and regulatory approval.
Having multiple motors increases redundancy, meaning the VX4 is 100 times safer than a helicopter, with 30 times less noise in hover and comparable to a domestic fridge in cruise. Electric motors also eliminate the complex mechanical components of helicopters, reducing maintenance costs. While the initial offering will be a premium service, the goal is to achieve the same price point as an Uber, making it accessible for more people.
Given that Vertical Aerospace is dependent on partnerships with companies outside of the UK, such as Italy and the United States, are you concerned about the limitations that come with being a UK-based business post-Brexit?
Whilst the UK continues to have one of the largest and most highly regarded aviation sectors, the aviation industry is global, and our strategy has always been to think globally from the start. Partnerships are critical for developing our complex and novel product. Collaborating with companies like Honeywell, Leonardo, and GKN allows us to leverage their technology and certification expertise while maintaining the agility of a startup. By partnering, we can focus on designing a world-class product while benefiting from our partners' deep capabilities and global reach.
What's the biggest barrier you're currently facing, and how do you plan to address it?
Batteries have reached a tipping point for viability, but achieving vertical take-off and landing with high safety and low noise is challenging. The main barrier is executing this vision into a commercially viable product. Aerospace design involves trade-offs, and our focus is on optimizing these to create a leading product. Our small, smart team at Vertical is crucial for this innovation, proving that with the right people and environment, we can achieve what larger companies might not.
