Rolls-Royce to power VA-X4 eVTOL for Vertical Aerospace

Rolls-Royce said it will integrate an electrical power system into the piloted VTOL vehicle, which will carry up to four passengers for 120 miles at cruise speeds of over 200mph and is on course to certify in 2024.

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Vertical Aerospace is a key collaboration for Rolls-Royce Electrical - a specialist team developing sustainable, efficient and quieter technology for aviation, marine, land and industrial applications - as it marks the company’s first commercial deal in the Urban Air Mobility (UAM) market.

Rolls-Royce will design the system architecture of the whole electrical propulsion system that includes Rolls’ latest 100kW-class lift and push electrical propulsion units, the power distribution and the monitoring system that will support operations.

In a statement, Rob Watson, director – Rolls-Royce Electrical, said: “We are delighted to collaborate with Vertical Aerospace for the electrical technology that will power their pioneering eVTOL aircraft. This exciting opportunity demonstrates our ambitions to be a leading supplier of sustainable complete power systems for the new Urban Air Mobility market which has the potential to transform the way that people and freight move from city to city.”