AutoFlight unveils world’s first five-ton class eVTOL aircraft

AutoFlight has unveiled Matrix, the world’s first five-ton class electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, which successfully completed a public full transition flight demonstration at the company’s low-altitude flight test facility centre.

The pure electric version offers a maximum range of 250 kilometres, while the hybrid-electric variant extends range to 1,500km.

During the demonstration, where Matrix flew alongside AutoFlight’s 2-ton CarryAll cargo eVTOL, it completed the full mode transition flight sequence, transitioning from vertical take-off through cruise flight to vertical landing.

The achievement is said to validate AutoFlight’s eVTOL technologies across complex aerodynamic systems, high-power electric propulsion, and advanced flight control systems.

The new aircraft features a 20-metre wingspan, 17.1-metre length, and 3.3-metre height, with a maximum take-off weight of 5,700kg. The cabin measures 5.25m in length, 1.8m in width, and 1.85m in aisle height, providing 13.9 cubic metres of interior volume.

According to AutoFlight, it will be available in passenger and cargo variants, with the passenger version capable of accommodating either 10 business-class seats or six VIP seats.

Standard amenities include premium seating, washbasins, lavatories, climate control, ambient lighting, and oversized one square metre windows with 50% enhanced light transmission.

The cargo variant uses a hybrid power system, supporting a maximum payload of 1,500kg, and features a large forward-opening door capable of accommodating two AKE standard air cargo containers, enhancing operational efficiency for ton-scale cargo transport.

AutoFlight’s CEO and founder, Tian Yu, said: “Matrix is not only a rising star in the aviation industry, but also an ambitious industry disruptor. It will break the industry perception that eVTOL equals short-haul, low-load, and will reshape the rules of eVTOL routes.

“Through economies of scale, it significantly reduces transportation costs per seat-kilometre and ton-kilometre, revolutionising costs and embracing profitability. It covers all scenarios from urban commuting to intercity feeder routes, driving the expansion of the entire low-altitude ecosystem.”