AutoFlight Unveils World First Five-Ton Class eVTOL Matrix Redefining Regional Air Mobility

KUNSHAN, CHINA — Aerospace engineering reached a historic milestone today, February 5, 2026, as AutoFlight officially pulled back the curtain on "Matrix," the world’s first 5-ton class electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Executing a flawless transition flight demonstration at the company's low-altitude test facility, the massive aircraft effectively shattered the "short-haul" stigma currently surrounding the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) sector. 

The unveiling of Matrix (also designated as the V5000) represents a generational leap in scale for the eVTOL industry. While most competitors are currently certifying 2-ton aircraft capable of carrying four passengers, AutoFlight has successfully demonstrated a platform with a 5,700kg Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW). During the public demonstration, Matrix flew alongside the company’s 2-ton CarryAll model, successfully transitioning from vertical lift-off to wing-borne cruise and back to a vertical landing.

Engineering a Heavy-Lift Disruptor

Matrix utilises a sophisticated compound wing "Lift and Cruise" configuration, featuring a distinctive triplane layout and a six-arm structure. The aircraft's high-voltage architecture is powered by a distributed propulsion system consisting of up to 20 fifth-generation lift motors, providing a level of redundancy that allows for safe flight even in the event of multiple motor failures.

The platform is designed to serve two primary markets: high-capacity regional passenger transport and heavy-duty logistics. The passenger variant can accommodate up to 10 travellers in a business-class configuration, while the cargo model is capable of hauling 1,500kg of payload, enough to fit two AKE standard air cargo containers.

AutoFlight Matrix Technical and Operational Specifications

The following table details the up-to-date operational specifications for the Matrix platform as of its February 5, 2026, debut:

Redefining the Rules of the Sky

The strategic significance of Matrix lies in its ability to offer economies of scale that were previously unthinkable for electric aircraft. By increasing seat capacity to 10 and offering a hybrid range of up to 1,500 kilometres, AutoFlight is positioning the aircraft as a viable alternative to regional turboprops and traditional logistics trucks.

Tian Yu, CEO and Founder of AutoFlight, emphasised the disruptive nature of the new platform during the unveiling ceremony:

“Matrix is not only a rising star in the aviation industry but also an ambitious industry disruptor. It will break the industry perception that eVTOL = short-haul, low-load, and will reshape the rules of eVTOL routes.”

Yu further detailed the economic implications of the 5-ton class:

“Through economies of scale, it significantly reduces transportation costs per seat-kilometre and ton-kilometre, revolutionising costs and embracing profitability. It covers all scenarios from urban commuting to intercity feeder routes, driving the expansion of the entire low-altitude ecosystem.”

A Growing Fleet Portfolio

Matrix joins a rapidly maturing family of aircraft within the AutoFlight stable. This includes the CarryAll, which is already generating revenue in commercial cargo operations, and the Prosperity, which remains in active CAAC type certification for urban passenger markets.

With a cabin volume of 13.9 cubic meters and oversized 1m² windows featuring 50% enhanced light transmission, Matrix is not just a cargo beast; it is a premium regional shuttle designed to compete with high-end ground transport and traditional aviation infrastructure.