Chinese electric aircraft manufacturer AutoFlight has successfully conducted a landmark formation flight featuring its heavy-lift V5000 Matrix alongside two smaller V2000-series models. This heterogeneous demonstration served as a critical test for the company’s flight control systems, specifically evaluating how aircraft of varying sizes and flight behaviors coordinate routes, spacing, and communication in real-time. As the industry pushes toward commercializing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) technology, this milestone confirms the operational synergy between AutoFlight’s diverse fleet, marking a significant step forward in the development of large-scale, autonomous, or crewed electric aviation for both passenger and cargo transport.
The V5000 Matrix stands out as one of the largest crewed eVTOL aircraft currently in development, boasting a 66-foot wingspan and a maximum takeoff weight of 12,566 pounds. The aircraft is designed for versatility, with a fully electric passenger configuration capable of carrying up to 10 people for 155 miles. Alternatively, the V5000CGH cargo variant utilizes a hybrid-electric propulsion system to transport up to 3,307 pounds of freight. This hybrid model is designed for longer missions, offering a range of up to 932 miles and cruising speeds of 174 mph, sufficient to accommodate two standard AKE air cargo containers.
To achieve vertical takeoff and landing, the V5000 utilizes 20 dedicated lift motors before transitioning to wing-supported cruise flight for increased efficiency. Safety remains a priority, with the design incorporating redundant systems that ensure controllability even in the event of a dual-motor failure. The recent formation flight follows a successful transition test completed in February at the Kunshan Civil Drone Test Base, where the aircraft proved its ability to shift smoothly between vertical and horizontal flight modes. AutoFlight has now formally initiated the airworthiness certification process for the hybrid cargo version with the Civil Aviation Administration of China.