EHang's VT35 Makes First Public Flight in Hefei
The VT35 is derived from the VT30 design.
EHang has conducted the first public flight of its new long-range, composite-wing, uncrewed passenger-carrying eVTOL aircraft, the VT35.
The demonstration took place on December 28 at Feidong Bailong Airport in Hefei, Anhui Province.
The eVTOL maker said the flight validated the VT35’s safety and performance and marked progress in its Hefei partnership to advance the low-altitude economy.
The event was also described as a step from product introduction to technical verification and operational scenario testing, laying the groundwork for future airworthiness certification and commercial applications.
The flight follows the launch of the VT35 series program headquarters in Hefei in October.
Earmarked for medium-to-long-distance travel such as inter-city, cross-sea, and cross-mountain transportation, the VT35 is a two-seat, tandem fixed-wing eVTOL. It features eight lift propellers for vertical takeoff and landing and a rear pusher propeller for forward cruise.
The aircraft has an 8-meter (26-foot) wingspan, stands about 3 meters (10 feet) tall, and has a maximum takeoff weight of 950 kilograms (2,090 pounds). Its range is planned to reach up to 200 kilometers (109 miles).
The VT35 is derived from the VT30 design, is compatible with EH216-S vertiports, and carries a projected price of RMB 6.5 million (roughly $928,000).
The VT35 is designed for intercity, cross-sea, and cross-mountain operations. Video: EHang
The same day saw EHang demonstrate its EH216-S passenger and EH216-F firefighting eVTOL models, along with the GD4.0 drone swarm system used for aerial light shows and promotional events.
The EH216-F, based on the EH216-S platform, was rolled out December 25, at EHang’s Low-altitude Emergency Rescue Equipment Headquarters in Beijing’s Fangshan District.
The firefighting variant is part of EHang’s “low-altitude + emergency” initiative, aimed at establishing a model project for China’s low-altitude emergency rescue equipment sector.
EHang said it plans to leverage its Fangshan headquarters to develop a national demonstration project for low-altitude emergency management.
In Hefei, EHang is working with local authorities on a firefighting pilot program using the EH216-F, focusing on high-rise and forest fire response scenarios.
EHang noted its collaboration with Hefei, launched in 2023, includes the establishment of its East China regional headquarters in the city.
The partnership aims to support regular operations of the EH216-S from facilities such as the Hefei Luogang Air Traffic Operation Center, initially focusing on tourism and experiential flights, with plans to expand into scheduled passenger shuttle services.
The development of a local eVTOL manufacturing base is also under consideration.