CHONGQING: China has reached another milestone in advanced aviation technology as a domestically engineered Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft successfully completed its inaugural test flight, China Media Group reported.
Developed by the Ninth Academy of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), the aircraft conducted comprehensive flight and performance evaluations at Yongchuan Da’an Airport in Chongqing, underscoring China’s accelerating push into low-altitude urban mobility.
Conceived as a highly adaptable next-generation transport platform, the eVTOL incorporates a distinctive split-core configuration, comprising an aerial flight module and a ground-based unit integrating the wings, passenger cabin, and chassis.
Designed to accommodate two occupants, the aircraft operates below 3,000 metres and achieves cruising speeds of up to 150 km/h. Complementing its airborne capability, the ground module features a fully electric, intelligent by-wire chassis, delivering a driving range exceeding 300 kilometres.
Operational versatility is further enhanced through a modular architecture that supports interchangeable cabins and wing assemblies. An independently developed automatic alignment and disengagement system enables precise coupling and separation of components, allowing seamless transitions between flight and ground modes.
Engineered in accordance with stringent airworthiness standards, the multifunctional aircraft integrates automotive-grade manufacturing expertise to ensure elevated reliability and structural integrity.
Its aerospace-grade modular assembly is underpinned by five proprietary core technologies, including intelligent flight–drive integration and advanced tiltrotor control systems.
Industry officials indicated that the platform is poised for deployment across a range of future applications, including urban public transport, logistics networks, and emergency response services, signalling a transformative step in China’s evolving aerial mobility ecosystem.
