On August 1, AutoFlight's two-tonne eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft completed its inaugural cross-Yangtze River flight. The journey began at the Nanjing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) base in Pukou District, Nanjing, where the aircraft took off, flew over the Yangtze River, circled along the river and then returned to the base. The flight covered a distance of 25 kilometres and took ten minutes.
This flight marked the first cross-Yangtze River journey by an eVTOL weighing over one tonne, offering a glimpse into the future of low-altitude travel and cultural tourism in the historic city of Nanjing.
As a key transportation hub on the Yangtze River, Nanjing is one of China's major economic centres. Despite several bridges spanning the Yangtze River, the natural barrier still affects some cross-river travel. For instance, the 5.5 km straight-line distance between Nanjing UAV Base and Yuzui Wetland Park requires a 20 km drive that takes 25 minutes. However, an eVTOL aircraft can cover this distance in just five minutes, cutting travel time by 80%.
Nanjing, an ancient capital of the Six Dynasties, is known for its scenic spots but also its traffic congestion. During holidays, traffic delays around popular attractions can make travel ten-times slower than normal. The introduction of eVTOL aircraft offers a solution, easing road congestion while providing tourists with aerial views of the historic city, enhancing both convenience and the sightseeing experience.
Despite the presence of 29 central cities along the Yangtze River, many areas remain hard to reach. eVTOL cross-river flights provide an efficient and convenient travel solution, transforming the Yangtze from a natural barrier into a thoroughfare.
AutoFlight's Prosperity is equipped with a pure electric propulsion system, has a maximum take-off weight of 2,200 kg, and features a five-seat cabin design. Its ‘lift and cruise' wing configuration allows for vertical take-off, similar to a multi-rotor aircraft or helicopter. Once in flight mode, it transitions to fixed-wing flight for horizontal cruising. With its versatility in take-off and landing, efficiency, convenience and environmental safety, it stands as an ideal choice for air-taxis. The eVTOL aircraft will be utilised for point-to-point air travel within cities and intercity areas, with the objective being to ultimately offer pricing similar to ground-based car services.
