Flight Demonstration: First 5-ton eVTOL Transports up to 1.5 Tons of Cargo

The aviation company Autoflight has showcased its Matrix V5000, which it claims is the first 5-ton eVTOL (electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing) aircraft, during a flight demonstration at the Kunshan Civil UAV Flight Test & Operation Base in China. The eVTOL is planned to be built in two versions: one for carrying up to ten people and another for transporting up to 1.5 tons of cargo.

The Matrix has a wingspan of approximately 20 m, is 17.1 m long, and about 3.3 m high. A total of 20 electric motors provide vertical lift. Eight additional electric motors, arranged in two rows at the front and rear, are responsible for forward and backward flight. The system is designed to fully compensate for the failure of up to two motors, according to Autoflight.

The maximum takeoff weight is 5.7 tons. In the passenger transport configuration, the aircraft can carry up to ten passengers in business class seats or up to six passengers in VIP seats. This is in addition to two crew members, including pilots. This Matrix variant is also expected to feature amenities such as ambient lighting, oversized windows, and toilets.

Cargo variant with 1.5 tons payload

The cargo version of the Matrix is set to feature a hybrid-electric powertrain and a cargo hold for two standard AKE air cargo containers. It will be capable of transporting up to 1.5 tons, Autoflight promises.

The all-electric Matrix has a range of 155 miles (approximately 250 km), while the hybrid variant is expected to fly up to 1500 km. This should enable the eVTOL to cover leisure, business, and cargo flights. The Matrix could also be used for emergency response missions.

During the flight demonstration in China, the Matrix eVTOL demonstrated its ability to seamlessly transition from vertical to horizontal flight. Composite wings provide additional lift during horizontal flight and reduce energy consumption.

The Matrix is also designed to land and take off from Vertiports. These are floating, solar-powered landing pads developed by Autoflight, intended to be placed along rivers and coastlines for eVTOL recharging. Autoflight presented its Vertiport concept for aviation in Shanghai in November 2025. Other eVTOL manufacturers are also pursuing this concept.

Autoflight has not disclosed the price or terms under which the Matrix V5000 will be offered. The market launch date for the eVTOL also remains undetermined.

(olb)