Vertical Aerospace tests eVTOL capable of carrying 250kg load

Bristol-based start-up Vertical Aerospace has revealed flight footage of an electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOL) capable of carrying loads of up to 250kg – said to be the first company in the world to do so.

The prototype, named Seraph, completed its maiden flight at Llanbedr Airfield in Wales on 22 August.

Vertical Aerospace is working with global aviation regulators, including EASA, to achieve certification for commercial flight. Vertical Aerospace’s mission is to make air travel personal, on-demand and carbon free.

The Seraph was built to test new technologies and systems for integration into Vertical Aerospace’s upcoming passenger model, due to be unveiled next year. The aircraft is capable of carrying loads of up to 250kg and can reach speeds of up to 80km per hour. It features a passive cooling system and a customisable design, meaning the aircraft can be made larger or smaller, fitted with wheels or floats to facilitate water landings.

Stephen Fitzpatrick, Founder and CEO of Vertical Aerospace, said: “Today is another major milestone on the path towards carbon free flight. One year ago, we flew a full-scale electric VTOL aircraft, the UK’s first. Today, we are revealing flight footage of our second full scale prototype, the Seraph, an air taxi prototype capable of carrying 250kg. Air travel is one of the worst contributors to climate change and among the slowest sectors to decarbonise. Our mission at Vertical Aerospace is to make personal, on demand and carbon free flight a reality.”