China launched the largest "flying route vehicle" into the air—a 10-passenger eVTOL with 28 motors.

Chinese startup AutoFlight makes a breakthrough in low-altitude aviation

The Chinese automobile manufacturer AutoFlight announced the completion of testing its first-ever 5-ton electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The new vehicle, named “Matrix” (model V5000), can carry up to 10 passengers—significantly more than previous designs that were limited to six people.

Design and equipment
- Engines – the aircraft is equipped with 28 electric motors.
*20* engines provide vertical lift, descent, and hovering;
*4* are responsible for horizontal thrust;
the remaining *4* serve auxiliary roles in control.

- Wings – “Matrix” has three wings and six gondolas with motors.
Wing span 20 m, length 17.1 m, height 3.3 m.

- Capacity – the cabin can accommodate up to 10 passengers or cargo. A separate room with a toilet and panoramic windows is available for VIP passengers.

Technical specifications
- Gross take‑off weight: 5.7 tonnes.

- Range:
- purely electric version – up to 250 km;
- hybrid version (electricity + fuel cells) – up to 1,500 km.

Demonstration flight
In early February 2026, “Matrix” successfully completed a demonstration flight in Kunshan, Jiangsu province. By automatically switching between take‑off, horizontal flight, and landing modes, the aircraft confirmed its technical maturity and readiness for operation.

Industry significance
These results once again confirm China’s leadership in developing eVTOL technologies capable of carrying large cargoes. While Western companies focus on lighter aircraft weighing up to 3 tonnes with a capacity of 4–6 passengers for urban air taxis, the Chinese project paves the way for the emergence of mass electric flight vehicles with greater tonnage.

Thus, “Matrix” could become the first heavy‑weight eVTOL vehicle capable of replacing traditional ground transport for both passengers and cargo.