News Briefs: Aerofugia, XPeng AeroHT et al.
Plus, Ehang, AOPA, Air White Whale, and more.
I'm pleased to share that my article, "United Aircraft Showcases R6000, T1400 at Paris Air Show," is featured in Aviation Week. Many thanks to the AvWeek team for their support and the opportunity.
I’d also like to thank United Aircraft Group for the interview; the company continues to make strong progress across its UAS portfolio.
Below is a propulsion run video showcasing the company’s 6-ton-class tiltrotor aircraft, the Lanying R6000—in all her gorgeous glory.
Also, check out my article “China’s Tiltrotors: United Aircraft and Flightwin Showcase Rotorcraft Designs,” featured in Vertiflite, March/April 2025.
Video: United Aircraft
Before we get into the news, thank you to all my recent subscribers over the past few days—glad to have you on board!
For newcomers, this is an aviation-focused newsletter, and certain baseline assumptions are made about industry context and terminology. If you’re feeling a bit lost at first, don’t worry—aviation has a learning curve, but it’s a fascinating one.
Stick around, and it’ll start to click.
For those unfamiliar with my work, I’ve been covering China’s civil aviation sector for over a decade, with a special focus on reform. See: China Aviation Poised To Take Off.
It hasn’t escaped me that my writing style—and fondness for em dashes—has remained consistent over the years; if you appreciate straightforward, to-the-point reporting, you’re in good company.
Let’s get into it.
EHang Expands Partnership with Gotion High-Tech to Advance eVTOL Battery Systems
June 18, 2025 — EHang has announced an expansion of its collaboration with Gotion High-Tech Co., Ltd., building on an agreement signed in late 2023.
The renewed partnership aims to accelerate the development of advanced power systems for EHang’s autonomous eVTOL aircraft.
Under the updated arrangement, Gotion will provide a custom battery solution for the EH216 series, featuring its newly developed 46-series cylindrical cells.
The next-generation batteries are expected to improve flight range, propulsion performance, and overall safety, enhancing the aircraft’s operational efficiency and commercial viability. No technical specifications were disclosed.
The two sides also plan to extend their collaboration to future aircraft models, supporting long-term goals of cost-effective and scalable eVTOL deployment.
Beyond product integration, the partnership reflects a broader strategy to co-develop a smart, sustainable energy ecosystem for low-altitude air mobility.
According to EHang, Gotion’s platform-based battery systems are seen as key to supporting global expansion and sustaining competitiveness as the urban air mobility sector evolves.