Vertical Aerospace developing hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft

LONDON - Vertical Aerospace in London announced it is developing a hybrid-electric variant of its VX4 vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft to extend range and payload capacity. The new platform aims to serve defense, logistics, and emergency medical missions that require longer ranges and heavier loads than current all-electric VTOL aircraft can provide.

The hybrid-electric version builds on the company’s existing all-electric VX4. The second-generation hybrid propulsion system has been under development for 18 months at the Vertical Energy Centre. It is expected to be retrofitted into a full-scale VX4 prototype for flight testing in the second quarter of 2026.

Key targets for the hybrid VX4 include a range of up to 1,000 miles and a payload capacity of up to 1,100 kilograms. Vertical says the platform will offer low acoustic and thermal signatures, crewed and uncrewed flexibility, and increased mission resilience based on the VX4’s existing redundancy and damage tolerance.

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"The demand for long-range, high-payload, quiet aircraft is growing rapidly - especially across defense and critical logistics," said Vertical Aerospace CEO Stuart Simpson. "Our hybrid-electric VTOL strategy builds on our existing electric platform, world-class battery technology and large, versatile airframe, allowing us to offer uniquely scalable solutions that unlock a new frontier in air mobility."

Hybrid system

Vertical’s hybrid system includes advanced control algorithms integrated between its proprietary battery and power unit. The battery platform, developed in-house, is designed to meet rigorous safety standards set by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). The hybrid system has already undergone bench testing to validate its architecture and performance.

Vertical says the aircraft’s large airframe enables integration of the hybrid system without a major redesign, preserving operational scalability and versatility. The company also positions the hybrid VX4 as a strong candidate for European defense programs, amid rising defense budgets and a focus on sovereign industrial capabilities.

The hybrid aircraft will complement the existing all-electric VX4, which remains on track to receive Type Certification in the UK and Europe by 2028, with global validation to follow.