FARNBOROUGH — Vertical Aerospace completed the first public demonstration of its Valo electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft at the Farnborough International Airshow. The UK Ministry of defense has confirmed interest in defense applications for Vertical’s eVTOL, hybrid-electric, and autonomous capabilities.

The demonstration occurred at 1:46 PM local time. During the flight, the Valo aircraft transitioned from conventional flight using aeroplane wings to vertical descent by tilting four propellers upwards.

Aerospace is developing a hybrid system that adds a gas turbine to its electric model. Stuart Simpson, the Vertical chief executive, stated that the hybrid option offers "dual use" for civilian and military purposes.

Simpson said the hybrid variant allows cruising up to 1,000 miles with a low noise signature and low heat signature. The aircraft is undergoing certification from the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority.

Aerospace plans to begin flights for four passengers in its Valo production aircraft in 2029. The company had originally aimed to be in service by 2025.

Simpson said the Civil Aviation Authority and EU Aviation Safety Agency both signed up to work towards 2028 certification and are comfortable with a 2029 timeline. Aerospace says flights should cost about the same as a taxi ride.

The UK government provided a £10m grant to Aerospace, bringing total UK state funding for the project to £48m. Aerospace intends to build approximately 150 aircraft a year at its existing facility in Kemble, Gloucestershire.

Aerospace aims to eventually build 1,000 aircraft a year at a larger site and assemble its battery packs. Aerospace faced a cash crisis in 2024 which led to the exit of founder Stephen Fitzpatrick.

Aerospace was taken over by US distressed debt investor Jason Mudrick. Eve, owned by Brazilian jet maker Embraer, and US startup Archer Aviation are competitors to Aerospace.

The demonstration marks a progression in the development of electric air travel, with the UK government providing financial support through a £10m grant that brings total UK state funding for the project to £48m. Confirmation of interest from the UK Ministry of defense expands the potential market beyond civilian passenger transport to include defense applications for eVTOL, hybrid-electric, and autonomous capabilities.

Aerospace operates within a competitive sector that includes Eve, owned by Brazilian jet maker Embraer, and US startup Archer Aviation. The company’s timeline for passenger flights in 2029 follows a period of financial restructuring in 2024, when a cash crisis led to the exit of founder Stephen Fitzpatrick and a takeover by US distressed debt investor Jason Mudrick.