Aerofugia June Round-Up
Geely subsidiary Aerofugia has been steadily hitting key milestones in recent months, paving the way for future commercialization.
Aerofugia’s AE200 Conducts Public Flight
On June 23rd, Chengdu-based Aerofugia conducted its first public flight of its AE200 eVTOL aircraft, as reported by the official "Chengdu Release" account.
The successful second-stage flight included passing all required tests for full-size, full-weight, and full-envelope tilting transition, marking a significant step toward commercialization.
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On June 20, Aerofugia and Chengdu’s nunicipal government, conducted its inaugural operational test of the Low Altitude Traffic Management Service Platform, successfully validating urban low-altitude crewed flights.
Announced via Aerofugia’s social media on June 21, the helicopter flight departed from Luodai General Airport, flying via landmarks such as the China-Europe Center and Qingcheng Mountain, before safely returning to Luodai General Airport. In the afternoon, the helicopter took off again, stopping at Tianfu International Airport and Shuangliu Airport before completing its journey.
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Aerofugia plans to capitalize on the city’s policies, research and development capabilities, supply chain strengths, and local talent.
Sichuan province has also rolled out Guiding Opinions of the General Office of the Sichuan Provincial People's Government on Promoting Low-altitude Economic Development.
Collaborating with relevant government departments, the manufacturer will actively engage in low-altitude airspace route planning and network layout research. Their strategy involves a phased approach to implementing low-altitude economic operations, aiming to gradually introduce safe, cost-effective, comfortable, and eco-friendly low-altitude travel services into everyday life for Chengdu residents.
Phase One: Using traditional helicopters to pioneer urban business shuttle services and air shuttles between scenic spots to establish urban low-altitude routes.
Phase Two: Trial operations of intercity low-altitude travel scenarios using helicopters and eVTOLs in combined operations.
Phase Three: Large-scale operation of urban low-altitude scenarios using eVTOL products, making low-altitude travel accessible to everyone.
Using traditional helicopters as an initial step, Chengdu has begun establishing and testing urban low-altitude travel routes, laying groundwork for future regular operations. The government’s effort also sets a foundation for upcoming commercial applications of eVTOL products like the AE200.
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Aerofugia said it is actively advancing its low-altitude crewed aerial vehicles in response to government initiatives. The AE200 recently completed various flight tests, including full-scale operations and tilt transition tests, making it the first in China and second globally among eVTOL companies to achieve such milestones.
The AE200 has also secured official approval for crewed eVTOL operations in China, marking a significant regulatory milestone.
Aerofugia aims to support Chengdu's ambition to become a leading "Western Low-Altitude Economic Center," fostering the robust growth of China's low-altitude economy.
On June 12, Aerofugia announced its AE200 eVTOL verification aircraft successfully completed a series of flight tests on June 9, including full-size, full-weight, and full-envelope tilting transition.
The flight tests of a full-sized eVTOL in a tilt-rotor configuration represent a first in China.
According to Aerofugia, the AE200 has completed key technologies including overall configuration, aerodynamic performance, flight control avionics, tilting transition, power sources, distribution and environmental control, human-machine engineering, and maintenance support.
Qualification approval processes are ongoing; future plans involve expediting commercialization efforts, establishing delivery capabilities, and collaborating with enterprises in the low-altitude economy sector to provide a variety of travel options aka route development.
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