There are more solutions than obstacles. Nicolas Zart
While we wait for the domain transfer to a new host, we will talk about this news from China.
AutoFlight has taken its step with the introduction of an Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) 5 ton electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) called the Matrix. It completed its public transition flight at its low altitude test site in Kunshan, China. During the demo, the Matrix lifted off vertically, accelerated into wing borne cruise, then slowed and returned to a vertical landing, all while flying alongside AutoFlight’s smaller CarryAll cargo eVTOL.
AutoFlight Matrix’s: Heavy Weight Champion?
AutoFlight calls Matrix the world’s first 5 ton class eVTOL to complete a full transition flight. The aircraft has a maximum takeoff weight around 5,700 kilograms and a wingspan of about 20 meters. That puts it well above today’s four to six seat eVTOL prototypes in both size and mass. The design is aimed at 10 passenger operations in one layout, or six VIP seats in a higher comfort configuration, plus a separate cargo version sized for ton scale freight.
The passenger cabin is designed around business class style travel. AutoFlight and partners highlight features like flexible seating, lavatories, climate control, ambient lighting, and large windows that bring more natural light into the cabin. The cargo version swaps these out for a hybrid powertrain and a large forward loading door sized for two AKE standard air cargo containers. Those details underline that Matrix is not just a city shuttle. It targets longer range missions and real logistics work.
Matrix follows the same lift and cruise design path that AutoFlight has used on its Prosperity program. The aircraft uses a compound wing layout with six arms and a triplane style structure that carries up to 20 dedicated lift motors for vertical flight and separate cruise propulsors. This distributed propulsion approach is meant to give redundancy in case of a single or even dual motor failure. It also lets the aircraft hand off lift from rotors to wings as it accelerates, a key part of achieving efficient cruise.
Range is where AutoFlight is clearly trying to push the market. The all electric Matrix is projected to fly up to about 250 kilometers per charge, aligning with earlier AutoFlight range targets on Prosperity. A planned hybrid electric version is advertised at up to 1,500 kilometers of range, which would push the aircraft out of pure urban air taxi missions and into intercity feeder routes, regional logistics, and even emergency response roles.
At ElectricAirMobility.news, we have followed AutoFlight’s evolution from its earliest days. The Prosperity’s intercity demo flights in China to its first production deliveries in Japan. The aircraft is capable of a Maximum Takeoff Weight of 2,400 kg (~5,300 lb) with a range of 200 km (160 miles) and a cruising speed of 200 km/h (160 MPH). It can carry 5 seats + 1 Pilot. Those earlier flights showed how a four to five seat lift and cruise eVTOL could cut a three hour car trip down to around twenty minutes in the Pearl River Delta. Matrix now tries to scale that idea up to 10 passengers or 1,500 kilograms of freight. That will force new thinking around vertiport design, power demand, and ground handling for heavier aircraft.
The company also includes the CARRYALL, above mentioned, capable of a Max. Takeoff Weight of 2,000 kg (~ 4,500 lb) with a Max. Payload of 400 kg (~ 880 lb). Its maximum range 250 km (~ 155 miles) with a cruising speed of 200 km/h (160 MPH). It also has what it calls the FIREFIGHTING drone with 4 Extinguishing Canisters for 400 kg/piece (~ 880 lb) with an extinguishing area of 800 sqm (~1000 square yards). It has two other drones, the Albatross and the White Shark.
Big eVTOLs Are Coming
For AAM, Matrix raises several questions. Can infrastructure handle such a load? The answer is yes. IN general, eVTOLs are heavier than helicopter and a reason why most helipads cannot be certified for eVTOLs. Is 5,000 lb too heavy? You would surprised to know how heavy some of the current proposed and planned eVTOLs are. As a rule of rule of thumb, modern day vehicles, especially cars no longer advertise their weight for obvious reasons.
AAM pad load crash limits have been well-known inside the industry for years. What remains to be seen is certifying these bigger aircraft for crash and rescue access instead of the two ton class vehicles. Something we have been very vocal over the past 4 years is how energy providers and vertiport operators must plan now for higher charging power, including hybrid fueling (SAF and hydrogen). To date, no utility can generate nor transmit the energy levels these multiports and vertiports require when in full blown operation in a decade. Regulators are hard at work to look at the integration of this new mobility system integrates into existing air transport frameworks.
AAM is Here to Stay!
The demo flight highlights how other OEMs are working on larger eVTOLs to carry more payload and passengers. AutoFlight’s CEO’s catchy marketing is that the Matrix “break the idea that eVTOL equals short haul and low load”. We agree at at the very least, these larger aircraft open up new routes and potential economics. This normal evolution of bigger aircraft after certification, will bring commercial service sense as operators could use them for airport shuttles, regional business travel, middle mile freight, and disaster relief.
For now, Matrix remains in the test and demonstration phase in China. AutoFlight has not yet announced a firm entry into service date, route map, or certification timeline. The company is sending a signal to the AAM ecosystem that China is moving on also.
Readers can follow our ongoing coverage of large eVTOL development, vertiport planning, and AAM infrastructure at ElectricAirMobility.news and our sister podcast, The Ways We Move found on all of your favorite podcast platforms, and YouTube.
Once the site migration is complete. For background on AutoFlight’s earlier Prosperity program and other lift and cruise designs, see our previous features and external technical summaries at sources such as eVTOL News and OEM technical briefs.
🔊 Apple Podcasts 🔊
🎧 Listen on Spotify 🎧
🎙️ Amazon Podcasts 🎙️
📻 iHeart Radio 📻
🌱 Buzzsprout 🗣️
⚡ TikTok 🛩️
📢 Subscribe for more insights into the future of mobility and support the show! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2428454/supporters/new 📡
🎬 Watch for our new Patreon site where you can help us continue our education and news analysis! 🔒