China’s Fengfei Aviation Technology launches the Sky Dragon V5000, the world’s first 5-ton eVTOL, expanding urban air mobility possibilities with passenger and cargo versions covering up to 1,500 km.
On February 5, Chinese eVTOL developer Fengfei Aviation Technology successfully conducted a transition flight of its self-developed Sky Dragon V5000 in Kunshan, Jiangsu, HKCNA reported. This marks the first time a 5-ton-class eVTOL has flown, setting a new benchmark in the emerging electric aircraft industry.
Most eVTOLs currently under development weigh between 1.5 and 3 tons and carry 4 to 6 passengers. The Sky Dragon V5000 pushes these limits, offering greater payload capacity and longer range. Its fully electric version can travel up to 250 kilometres (155 miles), while the hybrid version extends the range to 1,500 kilometres (932 miles). The passenger model can carry up to 10 people, and the cargo version supports ton-level freight transport.
eVTOL aircraft, which take off and land vertically like helicopters, are becoming a focus of the global low-altitude aviation market. Experts say they could revolutionise urban commuting, cultural tourism, and logistics at altitudes below 1,000 meters. The Sky Dragon V5000’s launch highlights China’s rapid progress in this trillion-yuan potential market.
Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Shanghai, Fengfei Aviation Technology develops large eVTOL cargo aircraft, 6-seater passenger aircraft, and 5-ton-class eVTOLs, as well as zero-carbon eVTOL seaports. In August 2024, CATL, the world-leading battery manufacturer, made a strategic investment in the company.
If you liked this article, why not read: How eVTOLs Are Redefining Air Travel in China
