These milestones represent continued progress across Vertical's propulsion and energy systems programs, both of which underpin the Company's all-electric and future hybrid-electric aircraft roadmap.
Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, said, "Hybrid capability complements our all-electric Valo platform and unlocks a broader range of civil and defense applications. At the same time, advancing our battery technology and manufacturing capability is critical to certification and scaling production. Together, these milestones demonstrate the strength and breadth of our technology platform."
Vertical's next-generation hybrid-electric propulsion system has begun testing on its dedicated Hybrid Propulsion Evaluation Rig (HYPER) at the Company's Flight Test Center at Cotswold Airport, marking a significant milestone after more than two years of development at the Vertical Energy Center.
The HYPER facility enables full system integration and validation of the hybrid powertrain, including the turbine, generator and associated electrical systems, alongside testing of control architecture, system response and fault scenarios ahead of ground and flight testing.
The Company is working with several partners to integrate a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF)-compatible gas turbine with an electric generator, while leading development of system integration, control architecture and software.
This turbogenerator will be integrated into a prototype hybrid-electric Valo aircraft for flight testing and demonstrations, while also supporting the development and validation of technologies for future hybrid variants of the aircraft. These hybrid-electric variants are expected to significantly expand range, payload and operational flexibility. Vertical is targeting certification of its hybrid-electric variant with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
Vertical has also reached a key milestone in its proprietary battery program, with the first battery produced on its upgraded assembly line, launched in March 2026, at the Vertical Energy Center.
The 15,000 sq ft facility, already responsible for the battery systems used in piloted flight testing since 2024, has been enhanced with automated, aerospace-grade manufacturing processes designed to improve efficiency, consistency and performance, while supporting certification and future production.
The battery prototypes will go into rigorous environmental and operational testing. Battery packs produced on the assembly line will be used to support Vertical's certification aircraft as it progresses through the final stages of certification with the UK CAA and EASA, as well as providing initial production capacity ahead of entry into service.
