Skyfly Completes Europe’s First eVTOL Flight Between Airfields

Skyfly’s Axe prototype eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-off and Landing) aircraft successfully flew between two airfields and back again, a first in European flight. Skyfly’s Chief Technical Officer, Dr. William Brooks, piloted the flight of the Vertically-Capable Aircraft (VCA) from Turweston Aerodrome in Northamptonshire to Bicester Airfield in Oxfordshire, and back.

The test program of the Axe has been focused on validation of the craft’s airframe and control systems in wing-borne flight. The latest test demonstrated the VCA’s capability to take off and land vertically.

Along the way some aerodynamic features of the canard wing have been fine-tuned, but the fundamental original design of the aircraft has met and exceeded expectations throughout the testing phases.

What makes the Axe special is its ability to operate as a traditional airplane in forward flight. The Axe can take off vertically and the design of the main wing and a canard wing allow normal forward flying operation in flight. The wings improve the range of the aircraft as well. Mechanical control links to control surfaces do not rely on any electrical system, enabling the ability to glide and land in the event of system failure.

Lightweighting was a focus of the design team and was achieved – the Axe weighs just 750 kg thanks to the use of carbon fiber composite materials throughout the entire structure of the aircraft. The Axe also reduced weight and cut operating costs by eliminating rotating engines and wings.

In 2024, Skyfly earned permission from the UK Civil Aviation Authority to move forward with conventional fixed-wing flying, then to conduct airborne transitions between vertical and wing-borne flight. With this step behind them, the Skyfly team is moving into testing the full transition phase. The next Axe prototype will feature two electric motors on each of the four wingtips. Each motor will be encased in a single nacelle and will be powered by swapable and removable lithium batteries housed in the fuselage.

Dr. Brooks commented, “The aircraft performed very well. It has a gentle feel in turbulence, giving the impression of more span because of the motor masses at the tips. The comfort, outstanding view and lack of noise make for enjoyable flying.”

Skyfly plans for the first deliveries of the Axe in 2026.

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