UK military ‘eyes innovative electric flying taxi’ as 2029 launch planned
UK startup Vertical Aerospace is developing an electric flying taxi with potential interest from the military for a specialized variant. The company has received £48 million in government funding as it works toward certification for passenger flights by 2029.
Why it matters
The development of eVTOL technology represents a significant shift in urban transport and defense logistics, though the sector faces high financial risks.
Vertical Aerospace made the first public demonstration of its Valo electric VTOL aircraft Valo transitioning from flight using aeroplane wings to vertical descent./Getty Images Vertical Aerospace made the first public demonstration of its Valo electric VTOL aircraft Valo transitioning from flight using aeroplane wings to vertical descent./Getty Images Aerospace industry UK military ‘eyes innovative electric flying taxi’ as 2029 launch planned Vertical Aerospace says government has given £10m backing, taking its total investment in the project to £48m
Prefer the Guardian on Google British flying taxi startup Vertical Aerospace has said the UK government has expressed interest in buying a military variant of its aircraft as it races to gain approval for flights with paying passengers.
Vertical also welcomed another £10m grant from the government, taking its total UK state funding to £48m .
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