British flying taxi from Vertical Aerospace can lift up to 250kg

The first ‘flying taxi’ capable of carrying 250kg has flown in the UK, in a move that could pave the way for full passenger flights in four years’ time.

The Vertical Aerospace prototype, known as Seraph, completed its maiden flight at Llanbedr Airfield in Wales on 22 August. This followed the company’s first full-scale prototype in May 2018, which was the first electric vertical take-off and landing vehicle (eVTOL) aircraft to be granted flight permission by the Civil Aviation Authority.

Founded in 2016 by Stephen Fitzpatrick, Vertical Aerospace’s team consists of 70 engineers and technical experts from Airbus, Boeing, Rolls-Royce, Jaguar Land Rover and Formula 1, following the recent acquisition of MGI, an F1 engineering consultant. They aim to decarbonise the aviation industry and provide a new mode of city-to-city passenger transport.

“Air travel is one of the worst contributors to climate change and among the slowest sectors to decarbonise,” said Fitzpatrick. The company's long-term goal, therefore, is to “make personal, on demand and carbon-free flight a reality.”

The Seraph can hold up to 250kg, about the equivalent to a pilot and two passengers, and can reach speeds of up to 80kph. It is made of lightweight carbon fibre, making it potentially cheaper than similar transport modes such as helicopter travel. The prototype was built to test new technologies and systems for integration into Vertical Aerospace’s upcoming passenger model, which is expected next year. 

While backers claim that VTOLs promise to revolutionise transport and usher in a futuristic world of flying taxis, big challenges still need to be overcome. Speaking to Professional Engineering earlier this year, Vertical Aerospace head of power and supply Lawrence Blakeley said “the technology is only just good enough... everything is at a limit.” Using the current batteries he estimated only a 20-30 minute flight time. 

Other issues include safety, regulation, air traffic control for crowded skies and noise.

Despite the concerns, progress is accelerating within the industry. The company has already started the certification process for its next model, a passenger aircraft due to be unveiled next year. Mr Fitzpatrick’s dream to “revolutionise the way people fly short-haul” could yet become a reality.

Content published by Professional Engineering does not necessarily represent the views of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.