Chinese eVTOL developer AutoFlight has completed a formation flight of three aircraft comprising one V5000 Matrix and two V2000-series platforms, validating communication links, route planning, flight coordination and safety control across its 5-ton and 2-ton aircraft types.
The company said the mission demonstrated that different aircraft types within its portfolio can operate together, laying the groundwork for multi-aircraft coordination in logistics, emergency response, maritime support and regional air transport.
The V5000 Matrix is the largest aircraft in AutoFlight’s lineup. The cargo hybrid-electric variant, designated V5000CGH, completed its transition flight in February 2026 and has officially entered the airworthiness certification process with China’s Civil Aviation Administration (CAAC).
The V5000CGH has a maximum takeoff weight of 5,700kg (12,566lb), a maximum payload of 1.5 tons, a 14cu m (494cu ft) cargo hold that can accommodate two AKE standard air cargo containers, a cruise speed of 280km/h (151kt) and a maximum range of 1,500km (810nm).
AutoFlight said the aircraft’s payload and range specifications are designed to extend eVTOL operations beyond urban short-haul into long-range, heavy-duty logistics. Target applications include emergency supply delivery, offshore energy resupply and interregional freight.
The company’s airworthiness team draws on experience from the ARJ21-700, C919 and Diamond DA42 certification programs. AutoFlight’s smaller V2000CG CarryAll already holds the full set of CAAC airworthiness certificates, including type certificate, production certificate and airworthiness certificate, while the six-seat V2000EM Prosperity has entered its compliance verification phase.
