China tests an eVTOL aircraft made by aerospace company

A Chinese aerospace company completed a test flight of its domestically developed electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft on Friday, China Media Group reports.

The aircraft, made by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation's (CASC) Ninth Academy, conducted the first test flight at Yongchuan Da'an Airport, at southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, where all performance verifications were completed.

The aircraft is an innovative, rapidly upgradable platform designed to meet diversified travel and transport needs.

It features a split-type core design combining a flying module and a ground module, consisting of wings, cabin and chassis.

The flying module can carry two passengers and operate below 3,000 meters at speeds of up to 150 km per hour. The ground module is built on a fully electric, intelligent by-wire chassis with a range exceeding 300 kilometers.

A self-developed automatic alignment and breakaway coupling system allows modules to connect and detach independently under program control.

Customized cabins and multiple type of chassis and wing modules are designed to enhance scenario adaptability and operational flexibility.

The multifunctional low-altitude aircraft was developed in line with airworthiness standards and integrates industrial capabilities from leading automakers to build a highly reliable product base.

With five core technologies including tiltrotor control and intelligent flight and driving, the system enables modular "aerospace-grade" assembly. The aircraft is expected to be applied in transportation, logistics and emergency response in the future.