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Honeywell Boosts Pilot Control Tech in Vertical Aerospace’s VX4 eVTOL Program

Aviation and Aerospace

Business Honor
10 May, 2025

New inceptor controllers enhance pilot precision in next-gen electric aircraft collaboration.

Honeywell Aerospace has deepened its role in the development of Vertical Aerospace’s VX4 electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, announcing it will now supply the pilot inceptor controllers as part of a broader avionics and systems integration package.

The latest agreement, revealed on May 8, extends the longstanding partnership between the two aerospace innovators. Honeywell, already providing its compact fly-by-wire system and Anthem flight deck to the VX4, will now deliver its newly developed inceptors—lightweight, ergonomically designed pilot hand controllers that translate inputs into flight commands via the flight control computer.

“These inceptors offer unparalleled precision and are designed to integrate seamlessly with the fly-by-wire technology already chosen for the VX4,” said Rich DeGraff, president of control systems at Honeywell Aerospace Technologies. “We’re proud to support Vertical with production-ready technology that enhances safety and maneuverability.”

The addition of the inceptors is key to meeting the stringent 10^-9 safety standard required for type certification by both the UK Civil Aviation Authority and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). This means the aircraft’s critical systems must achieve a failure probability of less than one in a billion flight hours—comparable to commercial airliners.

UK-based Vertical Aerospace plans to certify the four-passenger VX4 by 2028, with a goal of delivering 150 units by 2030. Honeywell, a program partner since 2019 and investor since 2021, continues to support the project through its Flightpath 2030 strategy focused on accelerating sustainable aviation technologies.

Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, welcomed the move, noting: “With Honeywell’s proven flight system expertise and trusted safety credentials, this partnership reinforces our ability to deliver a certifiable, globally exportable aircraft that meets the highest aviation standards.”

The VX4 is designed for urban air mobility, offering zero-emission, low-noise electric flight over short distances—ideal for future air taxi operations.