China’s AutoFlight has unveiled Matrix, which it describes as the world’s first five-ton-class electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, following a successful full transition flight at its low-altitude test facility.
During the public demonstration, Matrix transitioned from vertical takeoff to wing-borne cruise flight and back to vertical landing in a complete flight sequence. According to a company official, this marks “the first time a five-ton eVTOL has achieved full transition flight.”
Most eVTOL aircraft currently flying fall in the 1.5- to 3-ton range and typically carry four to six passengers. Matrix enters a heavier category, with a maximum takeoff weight of 5,700 kg (about 12,566 pounds), a 65.6-foot wingspan, and an overall length of 56 feet. The aircraft will be offered in both passenger and cargo variants. The passenger version can be configured with 10 business-class seats or six VIP seats. The cargo model uses a hybrid-electric system, supports a maximum payload of 1,500 kg (3,307 pounds), and features a forward-opening door sized to accommodate two standard AKE air cargo containers.
Range varies by configuration. The all-electric version is designed for missions up to 155 miles, while the hybrid-electric variant extends range to 932 miles, positioning it closer to regional transport and logistics missions rather than short urban hops.
Matrix uses a compound wing “lift and cruise” configuration with separate propulsion systems for vertical lift and forward flight. The aircraft incorporates up to 20 lift motors in a distributed architecture intended to provide redundancy during transition phases.
AutoFlight CEO and founder Tian Yu said the aircraft is intended to move beyond current eVTOL expectations. “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,” he said. He added that the aircraft aims to reduce costs “per seat-kilometer and ton-kilometer” and support missions ranging from urban commuting to intercity feeder routes.
AutoFlight has not disclosed a certification timeline for the Matrix platform.
Another electric first! No artist conception or AI generated video of something hopeful. Congratulations for accomplishing a milestone.
A 5 ton category! Weight us usually not something to strive for in aviation.
“Most eVTOL aircraft currently flying fall in the 1.5- to 3-ton range and typically carry four to six passengers.”
Typically they carry NO passengers!
Interesting to note they went to the extent of using the right shape spinners in the pusher prop application. They went to that extent of drag reduction effort!
KS
Apart from the fact that it looks like it’s upside down, from the angle of the photo it looks like a giant clothes airer with fitted fans to aid the drying process. I’d also wonder about the cost of buying and maintaining such a machine, and the amount of hangarage needed for it. I’m guessing that it would need a hangar all to itself rather than sharing one with other airliners.