In a milestone moment for the aviation industry, AutoFlight, a leader in autonomous electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) technology, successfully executed a world-first formation flight of three autonomous eVTOL aircraft in Shanghai, China.
Three of AutoFlight’s industry-leading “Prosperity I” models were involved in the groundbreaking flight, demonstrating the company’s capability in rapid prototype design, manufacturing and its ambition to shape the future of aerial transportation.
“We aim to complement urban and regional means of transport for all people by building very safe, quiet, and affordable air taxis,” says Tian Yu, Founder of AutoFlight, who has decades of experience developing and delivering remotely piloted aircraft at an immense scale.
Lukasz Gadowski, legendary technology entrepreneur, investor, and backer of AutoFlight, adds, “It is a delight to be part of a venture reshaping the frontiers of technology and innovation. With this successful flight, we have set a new standard for the eVTOL industry.”
The company, with dual headquarters in Augsburg, Germany, and Shanghai, China, previously achieved a world record flight in February 2023, where one of its prototypes covered 250 km on a single battery charge, demonstrating the potential for sustainability in the sector.
Over the past 18 months, AutoFlight has revolutionised eVTOL technology, achieving a series of world firsts: the first full-scale eVTOL transition flight in January 2022 and the first eVTOL full-length flight video release in June 2022.
The historic formation flight saw three generations of the “Prosperity I” aircraft, indicating the rapid evolution of the aircraft’s development. The company plans to make the prototypes into products, with a cargo version set to be released for safe cargo transport in Asia next year and a passenger version gradually developed in the coming years, meeting the highest safety standards for aviation.
“The formation flight is a testament to our commitment towards making aerial transport safe, sustainable, and accessible,” says Mark Henning, former Airbus Helicopter Engineering Chief and head of the AutoFlight Europe team. “We have much more to come.”
For all the latest automotive news, reports, and reviews, follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, subscribe to our YouTube page, and follow us on Instagram, which is updated daily.
Customised programs leverage the best of Autoscommunity.com. Please get in touch with our sales team today and see what our team can do for your custom advertising solutions.
Our expert, award-winning staff selects the automotive-related news we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks.
Hyundai Motor celebrated the official launch of the NorCAL ZERO Project. This major initiative utilizes…
McLaren Automotive recently unveiled the new Artura Spider for the first time in the Middle…
The inception of urban air mobility (UAM) dates back to 2016 when Uber introduced its…
Drivers have been urged to ensure their seat, headrest, and steering wheel are in the…
Motorists have been warned they could be slapped with a £2500 fine and driving disqualification…
Heating, plumbing, and air movement materials supplier TG Lynes has become one of the first…