EVTOL aircraft manufactured in Qingdao WCNA completes maiden test flight

An electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in Qingdao West Coast New Area (Qingdao WCNA) completed its core technical test mission on Dec 25. This mission marks the debut of eVTOL aircraft manufactured in the region.

This large eVTOL aircraft was independently developed by a local aircraft company over a two-year period, featuring a fully electric, fully tilting rotor layout design. It has a maximum take-off weight of 2,000 kilograms, a payload of 500 kilograms, a maximum range of 300 kilometers, and a top flight speed of 450 kilometers per hour. According to staff descriptions, the aircraft can carry five to six adults and fly from Qingdao to Jinan in one hour.

The fully tilting rotor technology tested in this experiment is widely recognized in the eVTOL industry as the most challenging threshold, the most technologically complex, and the most effective technical solution.

This technology allows the aircraft to integrate the advantages of vertical take-off and landing with horizontal cruising, possessing the capabilities of vertical take-off, midair hovering, and long-distance high-speed flight. Additionally, it can take off without relying on a runway, boasting high speed, high efficiency, large payload capacity, low cost, and convenient maintenance, while demonstrating exceptional stability.

Furthermore, this eVTOL aircraft features a modular design, allowing for more flexible and convenient disassembly and assembly. This design not only reduces maintenance costs but also enhances the aircraft's reliability and durability, providing more possibilities for maintenance and upgrades.

The aircraft descends after completing its maiden test flight. [Photo/WeChat account: qdxihaianfabu]