In a significant advancement for electric aviation, China’s aerospace industry has successfully conducted the inaugural flight of a revolutionary electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicle. Developed by the Ninth Academy of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, the pioneering aircraft completed its maiden voyage in Chongqing on February 6, 2026.
The innovative aircraft represents a radical departure from conventional aviation design, featuring a groundbreaking configuration that merges aerial vehicle capabilities with automotive engineering. This hybrid design enables seamless transition between terrestrial and aerial transportation modes, creating unprecedented versatility for modern mobility requirements.
Structurally composed of wings, cabin, and chassis components, the vehicle comprises two distinct operational modules: an airborne unit capable of carrying two passengers at speeds up to 150 km/h at altitudes below 3,000 meters, and a road-going module equipped with a fully electric intelligent chassis that delivers an impressive 300-kilometer range on land.
Beyond personal transportation, this multifunctional low-altitude equipment demonstrates substantial potential across multiple sectors including logistics operations, emergency response coordination, and specialized transport services. The development marks China’s growing proficiency in advanced electric aviation technology and represents a strategic expansion of aerospace capabilities into urban air mobility solutions.
The successful test flight underscores China’s accelerating advancements in electric aviation technology and demonstrates the aerospace sector’s successful diversification into next-generation transportation systems with practical urban and regional applications.