Ground Vibration Test of Eight-Rotor eVTOL Aircraft

This case study outlines the ground vibration test (GVT) conducted for the VX4, an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft developed by Vertical Aerospace. The GVT was essential for validating and updating the aircraft's structural dynamic model, utilizing measured frequencies, mode shapes, and damping to tune the analysis model. The study details the tasks performed by ATA Engineering, which included pretest analysis and planning in San Diego, equipment installation, testing at Cotswold Airport in the United Kingdom, on-site data analysis, and reporting. The GVT was part of a larger Phase 1 test program that also involved tethered flight of the aircraft. Key outcomes included the identification of global aircraft primary modes and numerous other modes below 125 Hz across four test configurations. The setup, testing, and teardown were completed in less than one week, demonstrating efficient execution of the testing program.