Chinese self-developed flying car completes public test flight

（ECNS) -- The AE200 electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, independently designed and developed by Chinese company Aerofugia, completed a series of public flight tests in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province on Sunday.

These tests, which marked the conclusion of second phase flight, verified that overall aerodynamic flight control and aeronautical power technologies had reached their intended standards, signifying a historic breakthrough in China’s eVTOL development.

The AE200 electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft makes public flight tests in Chengdu, Sichuan Province on June 23, 2024. (Photo provided to China News Service)

The AE200 is a five-six seat flying car with a cruising speed of 248 kilometers per hour and a maximum range of 200 kilometers. It will operate at about 300 meters above urban areas.

During ascent, the AE200’s eight rotors are positioned vertically. At the desired altitude, four rotors tilt to function as propellers for horizontal flight. For descent, all eight rotors return to vertical position.

So, the tilt angle can be adjusted from 90° to 0° and back to 90° thanks to the research team who overcame multiple core technical challenges, gradually expanding the flight envelope and operational boundaries.

“As a tiltrotorof full size and weight instead of a model, it not only achieves eVTOL but also transitions between vertical and horizontal flight,” said Fei Lan, marketing director of Aerofugia.

Moreover, the AE200 is powered entirely by electricity and can be recharged by urban charging facilities.

“With two extra fixed wings, the AE200 ensures a longer flight range while being purely powered by electricity,” Fei added.

Besides, intelligent flight technology is crucial for large-scale urban flight operations, reducing the operational burden on pilots and the management load on urban aviation systems.

Future tests will include flights in extreme temperatures, maximum speed operations, emergency braking, and various reliability tests, according to Fei. Only after completing these tests will the AE200 receive an airworthiness certificate from civil aviation authorities, enabling mass production and deployment. 

The certification process for the AE200 is currently progressing smoothly, with the type certification expected to be completed around 2026.