Overview
- AutoFlight flew one V5000 Matrix alongside two V2000‑series eVTOLs in a mixed‑fleet formation that validated cross‑platform communications, route planning, timing, spacing and safety control between large and small platforms.
- The V5000 Matrix is a very large crewed eVTOL with about a 20 m wingspan, a roughly 5,700 kg maximum takeoff weight, a passenger version that seats up to 10 with about 250 km electric range, and a hybrid cargo variant designed for longer missions.
- The cargo hybrid, designated V5000CGH, has formally entered the airworthiness certification process and is specified to carry up to 1,500 kg in a 14 m³ hold, cruise at about 280 km/h and reach ranges up to roughly 1,500 km.
- AutoFlight’s lift‑and‑cruise design uses six rotor rows and 20 lift motors running in parallel to provide redundancy that the company says tolerates the failure of two lift motors without loss of control.
- The combined flight test and certification move signal a push to scale eVTOLs beyond short urban trips into regional logistics, offshore resupply and emergency response, but wider deployment will depend on certification, low‑altitude traffic management and new infrastructure such as floating VTOL ports.