09:54 AM EDT, 07/26/2024 (MT Newswires) -- Vertical Aerospace ( EVTL ) said Friday its new VX4 prototype has performed its first tethered piloted flight after receiving a permit to fly from the UK Civil Aviation Authority.

The aircraft will enter the next stage of testing following initial tethered flights and once the CAA allows the expansion of the flight envelope, the company said.

That stage, which will begin with further thrustborne flight testing, will be followed by wingborne or conventional flight and the final test stage of piloted transition flight, the company said.

Vertical Aerospace ( EVTL ) also said it is required to submit documentation to the CAA to move through with the flight phases.