AutoFlight completes public demonstration of world's first 5-ton class eVTOL

AutoFlight has unveiled the first-ever 5-ton class eVTOL aircraft, the Matrix, with a public demonstration at the company's low-altitude flight test facility center. The Matrix flew with AutoFlight's 2-ton CarryAl cargo eVTOL during the demonstration. It was able to complete a full transition flight sequence from vertical take-off through cruise flight to vertical landing. The company states that the aircraft uses a compound wing Lift and Cruise configuration with a triplane layout and six-arm structure, which is meant to ensure aerodynamic stability. Its high-voltage architecture includes up to 20 lift motors in a distributed propulsion system for redundancy. "Matrix is not only a rising star in the aviation industry but also an ambitious industry disruptor," said Tian Yu, AutoFlight CEO and founder. "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-kilometer and ton-kilometer, revolutionizing costs and embracing profitability. It covers all scenarios from urban commuting to intercity feeder routes, driving the expansion of the entire low-altitude ecosystem." RELATED STORIES: Autoflight unveils world's first sea-air eVTOL vertiport solution Eve Air Mobility signs order agreement with Japanese air mobility provider RICTOR claims new X4 eVTOL could rival private aircraft The aircraft has a 20-metre wingspan, 17.1-metre length, and 3.3-metre height, with a maximum take-off weight of 5,700kg. It will be available in passenger and cargo variants and can be pure electric or hybrid-electric. The pure electric system has a maximum range of 250km and the hybrid system has an extended range of 1,500km. The passenger variant can accommodate 10 business-class seat or six VIP seats and has oversized windows with 50% enhanced light transmission. The cargo variant uses the hybrid power system and a forward-opening door that can accommodate two standard air cargo containers with a maximum payload of 1,500kg.