Overview
- Undated photos shared widely on Aug. 18–19 depict a white, crewed tiltrotor airborne in China, which experts, including Andreas Rupprecht, described as a prototype’s maiden flight.
- The aircraft tilts its proprotors while keeping engines fixed at the wingtips, a V-280-style layout, with a straight wing and interconnecting driveshaft, a T-tail, and retractable tricycle landing gear.
- Cabin details in the imagery suggest a small passenger demonstrator, with three windows per side and an estimated capacity of roughly six to twelve seats.
- Reports cite AVIC involvement and unverified attributions to Hafei/Harbin Aircraft Industry Group, but no designation, registration or official confirmation has been released; hangar photos show at least two airframes.
- The debut aligns with a broader national effort that includes the UR6000 unmanned tiltrotor and Aerofugia’s AE200 eVTOL, with observers noting possible longer-term military applications if the concept is matured and scaled.