AutoFlight, a Shanghai-based R&D specialist focused on autonomous flight and eVTOL technology, has achieved a new milestone on its path to certification for passenger flights by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) by 2025. The company’s 4th generation Prosperity I eVTOL has successfully completed the world’s longest flight, covering 250 km on a single charge, beating Joby Aviation’s previous record of 248 km achieved in 2021.
AutoFlight’s achievement is a testament to the company’s progress in testing and pushing the aircraft’s performance envelope incrementally. The eVTOL is capable of achieving speeds over 200 km/h (124 mph) and offering all-electric range beyond the 250 km it achieved during the record-setting journey.
See also: Alauda Aeronautics Unveils Mk4, the First Crewed Racing eVTOL for Airspeeder League
AutoFlight evolved from a consumer drone company called Yuneec, founded by Tian Yu. Since announcing its eVTOL technology in early 2022, the company has been developing its technology in Augsburg, Germany, and sharing proof of concept, including video footage of the Prosperity I eVTOL transitioning from vertical to horizontal flight mid-air and a successful takeoff and landing.
Like most eVTOL developers, AutoFlight is still seeking certification from aviation agencies to fly with humans aboard. However, its recent milestone sets it apart as one of the companies to keep an eye on. AutoFlight president Omar Bar-Yohay said, “We are excited to continue working towards our next goals all the way to EASA certification in 2025.” Trust that we will keep you informed on its next milestone.
