Aerofugia AE200

Aerofugia, the Chinese electric aviation company is a subsidiary of automaker Geely and in 2021, formed a joint venture with Volcopter. The company is designing and manufacturing low-altitude UAVs and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) passenger aircraft, including the AE200.

The AE200 is a full scale eVTOL technology demonstrator aircraft powered by eight propellers, driven by eight battery-electric motors. The AE200 technology demonstrator successfully completed its first test flight on January 30, 2023 in China and is the largest Chinese eVTOL ever flown.

Aircraft Type: Winged VTOL

Powerplant: All-electric

Range: Undisclosed

Top Speed: Undisclosed

Propeller Configuration: 4 tilt propellers; 4 vertical propellers

Capacity: 1 Pilot, 4 Passengers

Autonomy Level: Piloted (Optionally Remotely Piloted)

Dimensions: Undisclosed

China has recently seen relaxations in its low-altitude airspace regulations, which could benefit native UAV and AAM developers like Aerofugia. Further, the Chinese Government has prioritized the development of air mobility as a major task which signals a fertile environment for Aerofugia to establish its manufacturing and operations in pursuit of obtaining a type certificate by the mid-to-late 2020s.

Aerofugia's design closely resembles other global eVTOL developers' configurations, which are quickly proving themselves as viable solutions for commercial applications. The company may likely succeed in China with government support; however, its capability to expand internationally will be tested if and when it seeks to certify the AE200 with other regulatory agencies such as the FAA and EASA.