China’s Lanying R6000 tiltrotor aircraft completes maiden flight

(MENAFN) China achieved a milestone in aviation on Sunday as the Lanying R6000, a 6-ton-class tiltrotor aircraft and the first of its kind worldwide, completed its inaugural flight in Sichuan province.

Developed for efficient point-to-point travel within cities, over seas, and across mountainous regions, the R6000 is designed to significantly cut travel time and enhance regional connectivity, according to statements from the manufacturer, United Aircraft.

Project manager Zhao Fengming emphasized that the R6000 represents China’s breakthrough in tiltrotor technology, challenging a long-held global monopoly.

Powered by the AES100 engine, independently developed by the AERO Engine Corporation of China, the aircraft integrates sophisticated tiltrotor systems. It allows seamless transitions between vertical takeoff and high-speed horizontal flight, merging the hovering capability of helicopters with the speed, payload, and range of fixed-wing planes.

The R6000 can cruise at 550 km/h (342 mph), roughly double the speed of conventional helicopters. It accommodates a maximum commercial payload of 2,000 kg (4,409 lbs) and can cover up to 4,000 km (2,485 miles), four times the range of typical helicopters. Its service ceiling reaches 7,620 meters (25,000 feet), twice that of traditional helicopters. Additionally, the aircraft incorporates wing-folding and blade-retraction features, enabling compact storage and easier parking in limited spaces.

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