Virgin Atlantic tests Vertical Aerospace VX4 air cab at Heathrow airport
British company Virgin Galactic will test an air cab VX4 developed by startup Vertical Aerospace.
What we know
The agreement between Virgin Galactic and Vertical Aerospace means two test flights. The first test VX4 will travel from Bristol's main airport to another airport in southwest England.
The second test will take place in London. The air cab will take off from Heathrow Airport and head for the Vertical Takeoff and Landing Airport. The vertiport is being built by the company Skyports.
Another phase of air cab trials is scheduled for spring 2024. Vertical Aerospace and Babcock International will explore VX4 emergency and cargo services. The companies want to study cab behavior in the air, the operation of the navigation system and the charging station. The accompanying infrastructure will also be evaluated.