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AutoFlight’s 5-Ton Matrix eVTOL Completes Public Full-Transition Flight

Built for regional routes plus ton-scale logistics, the triplane lift-and-cruise design targets a projected 1,500 km hybrid range.

Overview

  • AutoFlight conducted the demonstration on February 5 at its Kunshan, China test site, flying Matrix through vertical takeoff, wing-borne cruise, and vertical landing in a single sequence.
  • Matrix measures roughly 20 meters in wingspan and 17.1 meters in length, stands 3.3 meters tall, and has a maximum takeoff weight of about 5,700 kg.
  • The passenger model is configurable for up to 10 business-class seats or six VIP seats, while the cargo variant supports a 1,500 kg payload and fits two AKE-standard containers via a forward-opening door.
  • The aircraft uses a lift-and-cruise triplane layout with a six-arm structure and distributed propulsion featuring up to about 20 lift motors to enhance redundancy during hover and transition.
  • AutoFlight projects up to 250 km range for the fully electric version and about 1,500 km for a hybrid variant, and says testing will continue toward certification, which has not yet been announced for Matrix despite the company’s CAAC-certified V2000CG program.