Minhang Firms Mark Milestones with Manned eVTOL Flights

Minhang-based Volant Aerotech has completed the first round of manned control test flights for its VE25-100 AC101 aircraft.

This achievement marks China's first manned test flight of a high-grade commercial passenger electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, as well as the country's first manned test flight of a ton-class manned eVTOL.

The VE25-100 Skylar is a fully eVTOL aircraft designed for passenger transport, sightseeing, cargo, medical and rescue operations across all scenarios in low-altitude airspace. It is also the first model developed by Volant Aerotech targeting the regional air mobility market. To date, the type of certification basis, the special certification plans, and some professional certification plans for this model have been confirmed and signed.

The VE25-100 AC101 aircraft used in this mission is the first of its development batch. Compared to the technology verification aircraft, it features a cockpit, passenger cabin space, onboard thermal management, cabin air conditioning, and other design elements.

Meanwhile, Shanghai TCab Technology Co Ltd also successfully conducted a multi-occupant flight test of its self-developed tilt-rotor E20 eVTOL in a full configuration, setting several records.

These include being the world's first ton-class eVTOL to achieve a multi-occupant test flight – with the company's founder and CEO on board – as well as China's first full-configuration eVTOL and first tilt-rotor eVTOL to accomplish manned flight.