Volant Sees Manned eVTOL Conversion Flight
Milestones mount for Shanghai eVTOL developer Volant Aerotech.
Volant Aerotech announced today that its VE25-100 passenger eVTOL aircraft has completed a manned conversion flight test in Zigong, Sichuan Province, on May 28.
The company said the test involved a transition between vertical takeoff and forward flight modes and marked a milestone in the VE25-100 development program, adding it was the first manned conversion flight of its kind conducted by a Chinese eVTOL developer.
The manufacturer also noted that the test validated aspects of the aircraft’s flight control system, propulsion system, and aerodynamic configuration during the conversion phase.
No details were released on flight duration, altitude, onboard crew, or other technical specs.
The program will continue with further flight testing and work toward airworthiness certification and eventual commercial operations, Volant said.
The milestone comes shortly after the company reported on May 27 that it completed its Series C+ financing round, raising nearly 1 billion yuan (about $147 million USD).
The round followed a $300 million financing completed in late April, marking its second major fundraising in roughly a month.
Volant said the proceeds will support airworthiness certification efforts and preparation for scaled production of the VE25-100.
According to Chinese media outlet Caixin Global, Volant is potentially gearing up for a Hong Kong initial public offering.
The company has not publicly disclosed a timeline for any potential IPO.
VE25-100 Specs —
Wingspan: 16.0 m (52.5 ft)
Fuselage length: 9.5 m (31.2 ft)
Seating capacity: 6 (1 pilot + 5 passengers)
Maximum takeoff weight: 2,500 kg (5,512 lbs)
Commercial payload capacity: 500 kg (1,102 lbs)
Flight range: 200–400 km (124–249 miles)
Cruising speed: 235 km/h (146 mph)