Volz Servos Supports Vertical Aerospace eVTOL in Milestone Bidirectional Piloted Transition Flight
Vertical Aerospace has completed a landmark test in which its eVTOL aircraft performed a full bidirectional transition — from helicopter (VTOL) mode to fixed-wing mode and back — within a single continuous piloted flight. Volz Servos' precision actuators played a critical role in ensuring flight control stability throughout the mode transitions, marking a key step toward commercial certification.
Highlights
- Vertical Aerospace's eVTOL aircraft completed a full bidirectional transition — VTOL to fixed-wing and back — within a single continuous piloted flight, marking a significant program milestone.
- The test was conducted with a pilot on board, distinguishing it from autonomous or remotely piloted demonstrations and strengthening its relevance to commercial certification.
- Volz Servos provided the aviation-grade precision servo actuators that ensured flight control stability and reliability during the critical mode-switching phases.
- The achievement moves Vertical Aerospace measurably closer to obtaining type certification from aviation regulators, a prerequisite for entering commercial passenger service.
- Bidirectional piloted transition capability is considered essential for eVTOL aircraft to operate efficiently in Urban Air Mobility (UAM) environments.
Vertical Aerospace has achieved a significant technical milestone, successfully completing a bidirectional transition flight in which its eVTOL aircraft switched from helicopter (vertical take-off and landing) mode to fixed-wing cruising mode — and back again — all within a single continuous flight.
The test was conducted with a pilot on board, underscoring its importance as a step toward real-world commercial operations rather than purely autonomous or remote-controlled demonstration flights. Volz Servos, a specialist manufacturer of aviation-grade servo actuators, provided the precision actuation systems that ensured stability and reliability throughout the mode-switching sequences.
Technical Significance
A "bidirectional piloted transition" means the aircraft can freely switch between VTOL (helicopter) mode and horizontal cruise (fixed-wing) mode under direct pilot control, completing both transitions within a single uninterrupted flight. This capability is considered essential for eVTOL aircraft to operate efficiently in Urban Air Mobility (UAM) environments, where vehicles must take off and land vertically in constrained urban spaces while cruising efficiently at altitude between those points.
Volz Servos' Role
Volz Servos is known for high-reliability, durable servo actuators used across both unmanned and manned aviation platforms. The company's involvement in this test highlights the growing demand for certified, proven actuation hardware in the emerging eVTOL sector. Their actuators were integral to maintaining precise flight control authority during the critical transition phases between flight modes.
Path to Certification
The successful completion of this milestone indicates that Vertical Aerospace's eVTOL program continues to advance steadily. Achieving reliable, piloted bidirectional transitions brings the aircraft measurably closer to obtaining type certification from aviation regulators — a prerequisite for entering commercial passenger service.
Editor's note: This article is compiled based on available source information.
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