EHang Holdings limited has announced the launch of its new long-range pilotless electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, the VT35.
The aircraft builds on the foundation of the company’s previous prototype, the VT30, and operates as a lift-and-cruise model designed for medium- to long-range applications such as intercity, cross-sea and cross-mountain transportation.
Launched on 13 October during a Global Debut Event at Luogang Park in Hefei, Anhui Province; the aircraft is equipped with autonomous flight capability, point-to-point efficeincy and eco-friendly electric propulsion.
The launch ceremony was attended by Mr. Yuan Fei, Vice Mayor of Hefei Municipal Government, Mr. Xu Haijun, Deputy Director of the Low-Altitude Economy Division, Anhui Provincial Development and Reform Commission, Mr. Yin Xingke, Deputy General Manager of JAC Group Co., Ltd. Mr. Xu Huawei, Secretary of the Lujiang County Committee and Mr. Li Wei, District Mayor of Baohe District, Hefei amongst many others.
Wang Zhao, Chief Operating Officer of EHang, said:Coinciding with the second anniversary of the EH216-S’s Type Certification, VT35’s launch marks the evolution of EHang’s long-range product line and a major milestone towards our advanced air mobility vision.
Together with our partners, we will accelerate the commercialisation of pilotless eVTOL aircrafts across diverse application scenarios, fostering a new, integrated urban–intercity low-altitude transportation ecosystem.
The eVTOL has already completed its transition flight test following a series of R&D debugging exercises.
Featuring a tandem-wing layout and two-seat configuration; the VT35 aircraft utilised eight distributed lift propellers to complete vertical take-off and landing operations, transitioning to a pusher propeller and fixed wings to allow for cruise flight.
With a design range of roughly 200 kilometres, the aircraft is able to operate automatically along pre-set flight routes, and is equipped with obstacle detection and avoidance systems.
The aircraft is now undergoing airworthiness certification, with EHang looking to apply its technical and regulatory insights from experience with the EH216-S to streamline the review process.
Huazhi Hu, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of EHang, said:Since our founding, EHang has been dedicated to driving disruptive innovation in the urban air mobility industry. From R&D to design, we uphold the highest safety standards and lead the industry’s sustainable development.
VT35, together with the urban-focused EH216-S, will form a comprehensive intelligent air mobility network connecting short- to mid-long-range scenarios. Leveraging the EH216-S certification experience, we will expedite VT35’s airworthiness and commercialization processes.
As a pioneer in pilotless eVTOL technology, EHang is continuously optimizing aircraft performance and expanding applications to offer the public safer, smarter, and more accessible low-altitude transportation solutions for a greener, shared future in global civil aviation.
As well as the launch of the VT35; the event in Hefei also saw EHang sign cooperative agreements with Zhejiang Zhiyi UAV Technology Co., Ltd. of Wencheng County, and Hainan Fuma General Aviation Industry Development Co., Ltd, respectively. All companies will collaborate on the VT35’s purchase, promotion, and operations to jointly advance the development of the low-altitude economy.
