Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

The UK government’s Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) this week awarded £8 million ($10 million) to support Vertical Aerospace’s efforts to bring its four-passenger VX4 eVTOL aircraft to market. The grant, which increases total government backing for the program to £37 million, will be used to complete the development of the lift-and-cruise vehicle’s propellers.
The new funding comes almost a month after Vertical’s founder and CEO, Stephen Fitzpatrick, provided a <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2024-01-22/vertical-founder-pledges-50-million-sustain-work-vx4-evtol-aircraft">$50 million investment </a>to sustain work on the VX4, for which the UK company aims to complete type certification by the end of 2026. This capital will be provided through a first tranche of $25 million in return for shares priced at $10 in a deal set to close by March, followed by a second payment of $25 million at a share price to be determined by July 31.
According to Vertical, it now has sufficient cash to support the program into the second quarter of 2025. The company is preparing to start flight testing a second VX4 prototype, which is being assembled at GKN Aerospace’s Global Technology Centre in the UK.
The ATI funding for work on the VX4’s propellers will be conducted by a consortium that also includes the University of Glasgow, the University of Bristol, Cranfield University, and Helitune, a helicopter parts supplier. Bristol-based Vertical will lead this consortium, whose other members are set to receive £3.5 million in funding.
“The project will see advancements in rotor technologies vital to the success of eVTOL aircraft developed here in the UK, growing knowledge, skills, and capability in the process,” said Mark Scully, head of technology for propulsion and advanced systems at ATI. “Through this investment, the ATI program is enabling the development of ultra-efficient and cross-cutting technologies in a competitive global market expected to be worth £24 billion to the UK up to 2050, accelerating the delivery of zero-emission aircraft on our journey to Destination Zero.”

Charles Alcock

Vertical Aerospace and GKN are completing the assembly of the second prototype for the VX4 eVTOL aircraft. (Image: Vertical)

UK Government Grants Vertical $10 Million Funding for eVTOL Propeller Development

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