Milestone Certification Enables Mass Production of 2-Ton Electric Aircraft
The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has granted AutoFlight a Production Certificate (PC) for its CarryAll unmanned cargo aircraft. AutoFlight announced that this approval marks the first-ever production license for a 2-ton electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, clearing the way for mass production.
Certification Process and Requirements
The CAAC granted the Production Certificate on December 24, 2024. The PC is one of three essential certifications in aircraft airworthiness, confirming that a manufacturer can consistently produce aircraft that meet approved design standards.
AutoFlight first secured a Type Certificate (TC) for CarryAll in March 2024. Afterward, the company began working toward Production Certification. The CAAC review team conducted a detailed evaluation, including quality system documentation reviews, on-site inspections, and supplier audits.
During the certification process, AutoFlight developed a comprehensive Production Quality Assurance Manual with 39 procedural documents. The review team conducted over 100 on-site inspections and held 13 formal review meetings before granting approval.
Next Steps for CarryAll
With the production license now in place, AutoFlight plans to scale up CarryAll’s manufacturing and begin individual aircraft certification (AC). The company will also establish delivery and after-sales support systems to support commercial operations.
AutoFlight has already secured order agreements with multiple logistics companies and low-altitude operators. The company aims to expand the adoption of eVTOL technology for air logistics, promoting efficiency and environmental sustainability.
CarryAll: An Overview
CarryAll is a fully electric, autonomous cargo aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight of 2 tons. Its payload capacity is comparable to that of a small helicopter, but it offers several advantages, including quieter operation, reduced operating costs, and environmental benefits.
Designed for low-altitude missions, CarryAll serves three primary markets: logistics transportation, emergency supply delivery, and rescue operations. Customers include logistics providers, emergency services, general aviation operators, and government agencies.
AutoFlight’s Continued eVTOL Development
Founded in 2017, AutoFlight focuses on eVTOL development and has completed over 10,000 transition flights. The company follows a strategy of progressing “from small to large, from cargo to passenger” in its aircraft development.
AutoFlight has achieved several milestones in eVTOL technology. Notable achievements include setting a world record for a single-battery flight distance (250.3km), conducting a formation flight of three full-scale eVTOL aircraft, and completing the first inter-city eVTOL air-taxi flight from Shenzhen to Zhuhai in February 2024.
The CAAC has also accepted the Type Certificate (TC) application for AutoFlight’s manned Prosperity aircraft, officially beginning the type certification process.
For more information, visit AutoFlight.
Want DRONELIFE news delivered to your inbox every weekday? Sign up here.
Read more:
- SkyDrive and Osaka Metro Announce eVTOL Plans for Osaka
- Lilium and GE Aerospace Partner to Enhance eVTOL Safety Through Advanced Flight Data Monitoring
- FAA Issues Final Rule for Powered-Lift Aircraft: A Major Milestone for eVTOL and Advanced Air Mobility
Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
TWITTER:@spaldingbarker
Subscribe to DroneLife here.