News Briefs: TCab Tech, EHang, et al.
Plus, airship and UAV news.
Before we dive into today’s aviation news, I want to share this gem of a video. You definitely don’t have to be a Top Gear fan—but for those who are, Richard Hammond is a gem in himself, as are these three young men.
The passion that drives these young auto enthusiasts—self-described ‘petrolheads’—to tinker with engines, push performance limits, and embrace new technology is exactly the same energy I see in China’s next generation of aviation innovators.
I felt this firsthand at Aero Asia 2025 in Zhuhai last November.
Against the backdrop of China’s increasingly liberalized aviation landscape, there was an incredible sense of excitement—a space for both imagination and innovation. That energy was genuine, contagious, and a vivid reminder of how easily we are connected through shared passion.
For these young men, meeting their idol Hammond was a full-circle moment. It mirrors exactly what I hear from emerging eVTOL aircraft companies like TransFuture or Vision Aero when they talk about meeting their own inspirations, whether it’s JoeBen Bevirt of Joby or other leaders in the field.
(By the way, check out my latest Aviation Week article: TransFuture Pursues Integrated Certification For Honghu Mark 1 eVTOL)
Finally, I really appreciate how Hammond frames the conversation — we need both electric and fuel-powered machines to advance transportation. It’s not about choosing one over the other—it’s about appreciating both, celebrating both, and letting that passion drive us forward.
(And, as a former Dodge Ram 1500 owner, I can truly appreciate both the power of fuel and the practical load factor needed in remote and rural Canada — and getting up to Alaska in March).
I hope you enjoy the video as much as I did.
Now, let’s get into the news.