How Fast Can a VTOL Aircraft Go?

Aircraft are almost always faster than ground vehicles, but you may be wondering how fast a VTOL aircraft can go. VTOL stands for “vertical takeoff and landing”, and this technology allows aircraft to take off and land from a vertical position without the need for a long runway.

In a VTOL aircraft, rotors are affixed to the back of the craft that creates a downward thrust to lift the aircraft off the ground. Once in position, the rotors turn to face backward, propelling the craft forward.

The Average VTOL Speed

Although some VTOL aircraft can reach speeds of up to 450 miles per hour (mph), most reach around 200mph. eVTOL aircraft use electricity for fuel, and they can travel between 150 and 180mph, although some eVTOLs have been clocked at over 200mph. The size of an eVTOL can also affect its speed.

What’s important to remember with any VTOL aircraft is that, despite being advanced aircraft technology, the forces of nature and physics still apply. To achieve lift, thrust needs to be applied. While moving through the air, a VTOL aircraft’s wings provide lift, but the rotors still need to be able to supply enough thrust. If these forces aren’t balanced, a VTOL won’t go anywhere. Discover the forefront of advanced aircraft technology - Visit this website and explore the cutting-edge innovations shaping the future of aviation!

VTOL Components Add Weight

Something else to consider when it comes to VTOL speed is the weight that the extra components add to the back or bottom of the craft. The additional components that make the advanced aircraft technology behind VTOL power possible can also add considerable drag on a craft.

This can lead to a lessening in performance. Without these added components, a VTOL craft could likely move much faster in the sky, but then it wouldn’t be considered a VTOL aircraft at all. Once again, the main factors at play in determining how fast a VTOL aircraft can go boils down to thrust and lift being in balance with one another. Too much or too little of either won’t allow a VTOL aircraft to be easily controlled on the ground or in the sky.

Read a similar article about personal VTOL aircraft here at this page.