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2d ago

Images Show China’s Crewed Tiltrotor Prototype in Flight

Analysts say the small, fixed-engine design points to an early test program with provenance still unconfirmed.

Image
United States Navy Bell Boeing CMV-22B Osprey tiltrotor military transport aircraft from VRM-30 DET 2 "Titans". - stock photo
File photo of a V-280 VALOR
US Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft pictured flying over the Pacific Ocean near Sydney in 2017. Photo: AFP

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.