Vertical Aerospace Starts Hybrid Propulsion Test and First Valo Battery Production
EVTL•Vertical Aerospace has begun integration testing of its next-generation hybrid-electric propulsion system using its HYPER rig at Cotswold Airport after over two years of development. The company also produced its first Valo battery on the upgraded 15,000 sq ft assembly line launched in March 2026, supporting CAA and EASA certification.
1. Hybrid-Propulsion Testing
Vertical Aerospace’s next-generation hybrid-electric propulsion system has entered integration testing on the dedicated Hybrid Propulsion Evaluation Rig (HYPER) at Cotswold Airport. The facility validates the turbine, generator and electrical systems, control architecture and fault scenarios ahead of planned ground and flight tests.
2. Battery Production Upgrade
The first all-electric Valo battery rolled off the company’s upgraded 15,000 sq ft assembly line, enhanced in March 2026 with automated aerospace-grade processes. This line will produce battery packs for rigorous environmental testing and support certification aircraft as production scales.
3. Certification and Market Impact
Vertical Aerospace is targeting UK CAA and EASA certification for its hybrid-electric Valo variant, which promises up to 1,000-mile range and 1,100 kg payload. Achieving these milestones will advance the company’s entry into service and strengthen its pre-order backlog across civil and defence markets.
