Vertical Aerospace, a leading company in the development of zero-emission aviation technology, has recently announced a £8 million ($10 million) grant from the UK Government. This funding, provided through the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) Programme, is earmarked for the development of next-generation propellers for its VX4 aircraft.
This recent award marks the fourth instance of Vertical receiving support from the ATI Programme, cumulatively amounting to £37 million ($47 million) in UK Government grants. This financial backing underscores the Government's strong confidence in Vertical's role in spearheading advancements in aviation technology.
The investment is seen as a strategic move to position the UK at the forefront of the burgeoning urban air mobility market. The sector is anticipated to revolutionize urban and inter-city transportation by offering a sustainable, quiet, and efficient mode of travel. Vertical is at the helm of these innovations with its VX4 aircraft, which is currently undergoing the production of a new, more advanced full-scale prototype.
Industry Minister Nusrat Ghani highlighted the project as a testament to the UK's commitment to its aviation sector, supporting the creation of high-skilled jobs and fostering the development of future technologies. She emphasized the collaborative effort between the government and industry as a catalyst for elevating the aerospace sector and achieving net-zero air travel by 2050.
The project aims to enhance Vertical’s electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) propeller technology and propulsion system, resulting in propellers that are lighter, have lower inertia and noise, and adhere to the highest safety standards.
Stephen Fitzpatrick, Founder and CEO of Vertical Aerospace, expressed that the project, supported by the ATI Programme and consortium partners, will cement the UK and Vertical's leadership in aerospace innovation, electric aviation, and urban air mobility.
This announcement follows Vertical's revelation that Stephen Fitzpatrick has committed an additional $50 million to the business, aiming to bolster the aircraft programme's development. With this latest grant, Vertical's recent funding announcements sum up to approximately $60 million in new investments.
The total investment in the propeller project nears £20 million, with Vertical receiving over £8 million, covering 50% of its eligible development costs. An additional £3.5 million will be allocated to other consortium members, including prestigious academic institutions such as the University of Glasgow, the University of Bristol, Cranfield University, and helicopter monitoring specialists, Helitune.
Mark Scully, Head of Technology – Propulsion and Advanced Systems at ATI, remarked on the project's potential to advance rotor technologies crucial for eVTOL aircraft in the UK, enhancing the nation's knowledge, skills, and capabilities in the field. He highlighted the ATI Programme's role in fostering the development of cutting-edge technologies within a competitive global market, which is projected to contribute £24 billion to the UK economy by 2050, aligning with the journey towards Destination Zero.
The ATI Programme is a collaborative initiative managed by the Aerospace Technology Institute, the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), and Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation. With this latest grant, the total UK Government support for Vertical Aerospace amounts to £37 million, underscoring a substantial commitment to advancing zero-emission aircraft technologies.
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