Sky Dragon: China's Electric "Flying Taxi" Capable of Carrying 10 Passengers

The development of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft is accelerating rapidly. Recently, a Chinese company successfully conducted a test flight of a giant-sized eVTOL aircraft called the Sky Dragon. This aircraft is capable of carrying up to 10 passengers or more than one tonne of cargo.

This test is considered an important milestone in the development of future electric air transportation.

Fengfei Aviation successfully flew an eVTOL aircraft weighing 5 tonnes (4,536 kilograms). According to the company, the aircraft named V5000 is the largest eVTOL that has successfully completed a test flight.

During the trial, the aircraft underwent several important flight stages, in which it took off vertically (VTOL mode), then switched to fixed-wing mode for flight, and returned to VTOL mode before landing safely.

VTOL mode allows the aircraft to take off and land like a helicopter.

“VTOL vehicles mimic helicopters, allowing them to take off and land at helipads or small areas without requiring a runway like conventional aircraft,” the company explained.

The test took place on 5 February at the Kunshan Civil Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Test Flight Operation Base in Jiangsu Province, China. This location is frequently used by Fengfei Aviation for public demonstrations and flight trials.

Sky Dragon – Passenger Version

This version is designed as an air taxi and can carry up to 10 passengers. The name Sky Dragon was chosen to describe its large capacity and size compared to other eVTOL aircraft, which typically accommodate only a few people.

Matrix – Cargo Version

The other variant is named V5000 Matrix, which is developed by Fengfei’s global brand, AutoFlight. This aircraft is capable of transporting approximately one tonne (907 kg) of cargo, making it potentially useful for air logistics operations.