Picture of the week: Autoflight unveils world’s first five tonne class eVTOL aircraft

Credit: AutoFlight

AutoFlight has unveiled Matrix, the world’s first five tonne class electric vertical take off and landing aircraft, marking a major milestone for the emerging advanced air mobility sector.

The aircraft successfully completed a public full transition flight demonstration at AutoFlight’s low altitude flight test centre in Suzhou, China. During the flight, Matrix transitioned seamlessly from vertical take off to forward cruise flight before returning to a vertical landing, validating the platform’s aerodynamic performance, electric propulsion and advanced flight control systems.

The demonstration represents the first time a five tonne eVTOL aircraft has achieved a complete transition flight, setting a new benchmark for size and capability within the industry.

Matrix features a 20 metre wingspan, measures 17.1 metres in length and stands 3.3 metres high, with a maximum take off weight of 5,700kg. AutoFlight plans to offer the aircraft in both passenger and cargo configurations, supporting a wide range of operational use cases.

The passenger variant provides flexible cabin layouts, with capacity for either 10 business class seats or six VIP seats, positioning the aircraft for premium regional and intercity services.

The cargo version is powered by a hybrid system and supports a maximum payload of 1,500kg. It includes a large forward opening cargo door designed to accommodate two AKE standard air cargo containers, enabling efficient handling of ton scale freight.

AutoFlight founder and chief executive Tian Yu said Matrix challenges long held perceptions that eVTOL aircraft are limited to short range and low payload operations. He said the platform is designed to improve cost efficiency per seat kilometre and ton kilometre, supporting commercial viability across multiple markets.

Matrix uses AutoFlight’s compound wing lift and cruise configuration, incorporating a distinctive triplane layout and six arm structure to maintain stability throughout all phases of flight.

The fully electric version offers a range of up to 250km, while the hybrid electric variant extends range to 1,500km. AutoFlight said this capability supports applications including regional transport, heavy logistics and large scale emergency response.

Matrix builds on AutoFlight’s existing portfolio, following platforms developed for industrial use, autonomous logistics and urban air mobility.

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