China’s First 6-Ton Tilt-Rotor Aircraft Completes Maiden Flight

On December 28, the Lanying R6000, the world’s first 6-ton tilt-rotor aircraft independently developed by United Aircraft Corporation, successfully completed its maiden flight in Sichuan, marking a major breakthrough in China’s tilt-rotor technology.

The Lanying R6000 combines vertical takeoff and landing with fixed-wing high-speed cruise. It has a maximum takeoff weight of 6 tons, a payload capacity of 2 tons, a service ceiling of 7,620 meters, a cruising speed of 550 km/h, and a range exceeding 4,000 km. Equipped with a fiber-optic redundant flight control system, it features intelligent sensing and decision-making capabilities and can operate safely in extreme conditions with anti-icing, lightning protection, and crash-prevention functions.

The aircraft is powered by China’s AES100 aviation engine, the country’s first 1,000 kW advanced civil turboshaft engine developed independently according to international airworthiness standards, overcoming over 200 key technological challenges. United Aircraft Corporation describes the Lanying R6000 as a true “flying car,” emphasizing safety, usability, and cost-efficiency.