UAV & Drones
EHang VT35 Launch Advances Long Range Autonomous eVTOL Aviation
EHang debuts the VT35, a fully autonomous eVTOL with 200 km range, supported by Hefei partnerships and regulatory progress in China.
The global advanced air mobility (AAM) sector is rapidly evolving, with increasing momentum toward the integration of autonomous aerial vehicles (AAVs) into mainstream passenger and logistics transport. Among the industry’s prominent players, EHang Holdings Limited stands out for its commitment to developing and commercializing pilotless electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The recent debut of the EHang VT35 marks a significant milestone, as the company expands beyond short-range urban mobility into the more challenging medium- and long-range intercity travel market.
Launched in Hefei, China, a city fast emerging as a national hub for the low-altitude economy, the VT35 is positioned as a next-generation solution for intercity connectivity, logistics, and emergency response. This strategic move aligns with China’s broader ambition to foster a robust low-altitude economy, encompassing not just passenger transport but also cargo delivery and public safety operations. The VT35’s introduction is supported by strong government backing, regulatory progress, and industry Partnerships, signaling a new phase in the commercialization of autonomous air mobility.
In this article, we examine the significance of EHang’s VT35 launch, analyze its technical and operational features, explore the ecosystem and partnerships underpinning its rollout, and consider the broader implications for the eVTOL industry and urban–intercity transportation networks.
The VT35 represents a leap forward in EHang’s product portfolio, building on the company’s experience with the EH216-S, which was primarily designed for short-range, intra-city applications. The VT35 is an upgraded lift-and-cruise model, based on the earlier VT30 prototype, and features a tandem-wing layout with a two-seat configuration. This design enables both vertical take-off and landing, as well as efficient cruise flight over longer distances.
In terms of propulsion, the VT35 employs eight distributed lift propellers for vertical operations, transitioning to a pusher propeller and fixed wings for horizontal cruise. This hybrid approach allows the aircraft to achieve an estimated range of approximately 200 kilometers (124 miles) on a full charge. The VT35 is roughly 8 meters in both length and wingspan, with a height of 3 meters and a maximum takeoff weight of 950 kg. These specifications make it suitable for a variety of use cases, from passenger transport to logistics and emergency missions.
Autonomy is a core feature of the VT35. The aircraft is designed for fully autonomous flight, managed through a centralized command-and-control system that enables fleet operations along pre-set routes. This capability is intended to reduce operational complexity, enhance safety, and enable scalable deployment in urban and regional environments. Notably, the VT35 is compatible with existing vertiport infrastructure designed for the EH216-S, allowing for flexible operations from rooftops, parking lots, and other urban locations.
“VT35, together with the urban-focused EH216-S, will form a comprehensive intelligent air mobility network connecting short- to mid-long-range scenarios.” — Huazhi Hu, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of EHang
Regulatory approval is a critical factor in the path to commercialization for any new aircraft, particularly in the emerging eVTOL sector. EHang’s prior success in obtaining the world’s first type certificate, production certificate, and standard airworthiness certificate for a pilotless eVTOL (the EH216-S) from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) provides a strong foundation for the VT35’s certification journey. In March 2025, the CAAC accepted EHang’s type certificate application for the VT35, and the aircraft is currently undergoing the airworthiness Certification process.
Demonstrating technical viability, EHang has successfully completed the transition flight test for the VT35, a key milestone in validating its design and performance. The standard version of the VT35 for the domestic Chinese market is priced at RMB 6.5 million (approximately USD $910,000–$915,000), establishing a clear commercial proposition in a market often characterized by concepts and prototypes rather than tangible products. Initial market traction has been achieved with a platform company of the Hefei Municipal Government placing the first procurement Orders for the VT35. This early adoption, combined with ongoing regulatory engagement, positions EHang as a serious contender in the long-range eVTOL space, with a product that is both technically advanced and commercially viable.
The successful development and deployment of eVTOL aircraft depend not only on technological innovation but also on a supportive policy and infrastructure environment. The city of Hefei exemplifies this approach, having positioned itself as a national hub for the low-altitude economy, a sector that encompasses passenger transport, logistics, aerial tourism, and emergency response. Hefei is home to over 100 companies in this sector and is actively investing in new airspace corridors and drone-friendly infrastructure.
In August 2025, EHang and the Hefei Municipal Government signed an agreement to establish the VT35 series product hub in the city. This partnership is further reinforced by Hefei’s release of a “Low-Altitude Economy Development Scenario White Paper” in September 2025, which outlines the city’s commitment to providing policy and infrastructure support for the industry. Government backing includes not only policy initiatives but also tangible procurement, with the initial order for the VT35 serving as a vote of confidence in EHang’s technology and vision.
This collaborative model is seen as a key enabler for the rapid commercialization of pilotless eVTOL aircraft, facilitating regulatory approvals, infrastructure development, and market adoption. The strategic alignment between EHang and Hefei underscores the importance of public–private partnerships in advancing the low-altitude economy.
“The low-altitude economy represents a convergence of intelligent connectivity, new energy, and advanced manufacturing… We will fully support VT35’s airworthiness certification in Hefei and look forward to its early approval and real-world applications in intercity transport, emergency rescue, and logistics.” — Mr. Yin Xingke, Deputy General Manager of JAC Group
Beyond government collaboration, EHang is actively building an integrated ecosystem around the VT35. At the launch event, the company announced cooperation agreements with Zhejiang Zhiyi UAV Technology Co., Ltd. of Wencheng County and Hainan Fuma General Aviation Industry Development Co., Ltd. Both partnerships focus on the procurement, promotion, and operation of the VT35, signaling intent to create a networked fleet of pilotless aircraft for diverse applications.
EHang’s approach goes beyond simply selling aircraft. The company is developing a comprehensive ecosystem that includes command-and-control systems for autonomous operations, vertiport infrastructure, and operational partnerships for deployment and maintenance. This integrated model is designed to support scalable operations, enable data-driven fleet management, and facilitate seamless urban–intercity connectivity.
Such ecosystem-building is critical for addressing the operational, regulatory, and logistical challenges inherent in deploying pilotless eVTOLs at scale. By working closely with local governments, industry partners, and infrastructure providers, EHang aims to accelerate the adoption of autonomous air mobility solutions across multiple sectors.
“VT35’s launch marks the evolution of EHang’s long-range product line and a major milestone towards our advanced air mobility vision. Together with our partners, we will accelerate the commercialization of pilotless eVTOL aircrafts across diverse application scenarios, fostering a new, integrated urban–intercity low-altitude transportation ecosystem.” — Wang Zhao, Chief Operating Officer of EHang
The Launch of the EHang VT35 represents a pivotal development in the evolution of autonomous air mobility. By extending its reach from urban to intercity and regional transportation, EHang is positioning itself at the forefront of the next wave of eVTOL innovation. The VT35’s combination of technical sophistication, regulatory progress, and ecosystem integration sets a benchmark for the industry, offering a tangible pathway from prototype to commercial reality. Looking ahead, the continued collaboration between technology providers, government agencies, and industry partners will be essential in overcoming remaining challenges, ranging from regulatory harmonization to public acceptance and infrastructure development. As cities like Hefei and Shenzhen advance their low-altitude economy strategies, the potential for pilotless eVTOL aircraft to transform mobility, logistics, and emergency response becomes increasingly tangible. The VT35’s debut is more than a product launch; it is a signal of the accelerating transition toward intelligent, autonomous, and sustainable air transportation networks.
Question: What is the range of the EHang VT35?
Answer: The VT35 has an estimated range of approximately 200 kilometers (124 miles) on a full charge.
Question: Is the VT35 fully autonomous?
Answer: Yes, the VT35 is designed for fully autonomous flight, managed through a command-and-control system for fleet operations along pre-set routes.
Question: What is the price of the VT35?
Answer: The standard version of the VT35 for the domestic Chinese market is priced at RMB 6.5 million (approximately USD $910,000–$915,000).
Question: What are the main use cases for the VT35? Answer: The VT35 is intended for intercity passenger transport, logistics, and emergency response, among other applications.
Question: What is the regulatory status of the VT35?
Answer: The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) accepted EHang’s type certificate application for the VT35 in March 2025, and the aircraft is currently undergoing the airworthiness certification process.
EHang VT35: Pioneering Long-Range Pilotless eVTOL Aircraft
Technical Innovations and Operational Capabilities of the VT35
Design and Performance Specifications
Certification and Market Readiness
Strategic Partnerships and the Low-Altitude Economy Ecosystem
Government Collaboration and Policy Support
Industry Partnerships and Ecosystem Integration
Conclusion: Implications and Future Prospects
FAQ
Sources
Photo Credit: EHang
UAV & Drones
XTI Aerospace Secures $20 Million Credit Facility with JPMorgan Chase
XTI Aerospace closes $20 million asset-based lending facility with JPMorgan Chase to support Drone Nerds and refinance debt.
This article is based on an official press release from XTI Aerospace.
XTI Aerospace, Inc. (Nasdaq: XTIA) has announced the closing of a $20 million asset-based lending (ABL) facility with JPMorgan Chase & Co. The agreement, which became effective on February 11, 2026, provides the aerospace technology company with a three-year revolving line of credit designed to enhance liquidity and support the growth of its subsidiary, Drone Nerds, LLC.
According to the company’s official statement, the facility is secured primarily by the assets of Drone Nerds, including eligible accounts receivable and inventory. This financial structure allows XTI Aerospace to leverage the operational strength of its unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) division to stabilize its broader capital requirements.
The credit facility matures on February 11, 2029. Under the terms of the agreement, XTI Aerospace will utilize the proceeds to refinance existing obligations and fund ongoing operations. Specifically, the company stated it would use approximately $10.5 million of the initial proceeds to repay indebtedness incurred during the acquisition of Drone Nerds.
Remaining funds are allocated for general working capital and corporate purposes, including supporting the growth trajectory of Drone Nerds. By securing this facility, XTI aims to optimize its inventory management and order book capabilities without relying immediately on dilutive equity financing.
“Securing this credit facility with JP Morgan is an important milestone in aligning our capital structure with our operating model… As the Drone Nerds platform drives continued revenue growth, we expect the credit facility to provide flexibility as we seek to optimize our inventory and order book.”
, Scott Pomeroy, Chairman and CEO of XTI Aerospace
XTI Aerospace operates under a unique dual-business strategy that combines a revenue-generating commercial drone division with a capital-intensive aircraft development program. While the company is widely known for its development of the TriFan 600, a fixed-wing, vertical lift crossover airplane (VLCA), its financial stability is currently anchored by Drone Nerds.
Drone Nerds, acquired by XTI in late 2025, serves as a comprehensive provider of enterprise and consumer drones solutions. According to background data included in recent research reports, the subsidiary generated over $100 million in revenue in 2024. This steady cash flow distinguishes XTI from many pre-revenue aerospace startups, allowing it to secure debt financing from Tier-1 institutions like JPMorgan Chase based on tangible assets rather than speculative valuations. While the credit facility focuses on the drone division, the broader implications for XTI involve its flagship aircraft project. The TriFan 600 is designed to combine the vertical takeoff capabilities of a helicopter with the speed and range of a business jet. Company specifications indicate the aircraft targets a range of approximately 700 miles and speeds up to 345 mph, significantly outperforming standard electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) designs intended for short urban hops.
The “Cash Engine” Strategy
This transaction highlights a critical strategic pivot often seen in the aerospace sector: using a “cash engine” to fund “blue sky” innovation. By leveraging Drone Nerds’ inventory and receivables, XTI Aerospace has secured non-dilutive capital, a move that protects shareholder equity while extending the company’s financial runway.
Furthermore, the involvement of JPMorgan Chase signals a degree of institutional validation for the commercial drone market. Lenders typically require robust collateral; the willingness of a major bank to lend against drone inventory suggests that the sector has matured from niche hobbyist equipment to bankable enterprise assets. This aligns with broader industry trends where precision agriculture and public safety drone fleets are becoming standard operational equipment.
Following the announcement, XTI Aerospace (Nasdaq: XTIA) saw positive movement in its stock price, reflecting investor optimism regarding the improved liquidity position. The facility addresses a common concern for investors in the advanced air mobility (AAM) sector: cash burn.
The company continues to target FAA Type Certification for the TriFan 600 by 2027. Unlike competitors such as Joby Aviation or Archer Aviation, which focus on intra-city air taxis, XTI targets the regional inter-city market. This differentiation, supported by the hybrid-electric turbine propulsion system, places the TriFan 600 in a separate category intended to replace traditional turboprops and light jets.
With the debt refinancing complete, XTI Aerospace appears positioned to focus on scaling its enterprise drone operations while continuing the regulatory certification process for its vertical lift aircraft.
XTI Aerospace Secures $20 Million Credit Facility with JPMorgan Chase
Deal Structure and Use of Proceeds
Strategic Context: The Dual-Business Model
TriFan 600 Development
AirPro News Analysis
Market Reaction and Industry Landscape
Sources
Photo Credit: Montage
UAV & Drones
Korean Air and Skyports Partner to Integrate eVTOL Flight and Ground Systems
Korean Air and Skyports signed an MoU at Drone Show Korea 2026 to develop a unified platform linking eVTOL flight operations with vertiport infrastructure.
This article is based on an official press release from Korean Air and Skyports Infrastructure.
Korean Air and Skyports Infrastructure (Skyports) have formally announced a strategic partnership to co-develop a unified platform for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) operations. The agreement, solidified through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed at Drone Show Korea (DSK) 2026 in Busan, aims to bridge the technological gap between flight operations and ground infrastructure.
The collaboration focuses on creating an end-to-end passenger management system. By integrating Korean Air’s flight operation expertise with Skyports’ vertiport infrastructure capabilities, the partners intend to streamline the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) experience, covering everything from initial check-in to final arrival.
According to the joint announcement, the core of this partnership involves linking two proprietary systems: Korean Air’s ACROSS and Skyports’ Vertiport Automation System (VAS).
Developed in 2024, Korean Air’s ACROSS (Air Control & Routing Orchestrated Skyway System) is designed to manage the complexities of the low-altitude aviation environment. The system handles fleet operations for eVTOLs, Drones, and Helicopters. Its capabilities include managing flight schedules, approving flight plans, monitoring aircraft in real-time, and overseeing maintenance requirements.
Skyports contributes its Vertiport Automation System (VAS), which controls the physical infrastructure and passenger processing on the ground. This system manages resource allocation, such as gate availability and charging stations, while also handling passenger-facing procedures like security screening and boarding.
By integrating these systems, the companies aim to synchronize the movement of aircraft with the flow of passengers, ensuring that ground handling aligns perfectly with flight schedules.
“ACROSS delivers integrated flight control and air traffic management for the low-altitude aviation environment. As vertiports serve as the essential interface for these operations, our partnership with Skyports, a global leader in infrastructure, is a critical milestone in building a safe and efficient AAM ecosystem.”
, Korean Air Representative
This Partnerships comes as both companies accelerate their commercial timelines in key global markets. The joint platform is expected to be tested through pilot programs in regions identified for early AAM adoption.
Korean Air has established itself as a domestic leader in South Korea’s AAM sector. It was the first domestic entity to receive UAM traffic management demonstration status. The airline successfully validated the performance of its ACROSS system during Phases 1 and 2 of the K-UAM Grand Challenge, a program overseen by the Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT). These tests included ground-based operations at the Goheung Aviation Test Center and comprehensive flight tests along the Ara Canal in Incheon.
Skyports Infrastructure is currently executing multiple commercial projects. According to the company, commercial operations in Dubai are scheduled to commence in 2026. Additionally, Skyports is developing infrastructure in Abu Dhabi and transitioning the Downtown Manhattan Heliport in New York City into a dedicated AAM hub. In South Korea, Skyports was appointed in late 2025 as the lead developer for a commercial vertiport network on Jeju Island, with operations targeted for 2028.
The integration of flight logic (ACROSS) with ground logic (VAS) addresses a persistent bottleneck in the aviation industry: the disconnect between airspace management and terminal operations. In traditional aviation, slot management and gate allocation are often handled by disparate systems, leading to inefficiencies.
By building a unified digital backbone before commercial scaling occurs, Korean Air and Skyports are attempting to preempt these friction points. If successful, this “curb-to-sky” integration could set a standard for how AAM operators manage high-frequency flights in dense urban environments, where turnaround times must be minimized to ensure profitability.
Integrating Air and Ground Technologies
ACROSS: Flight Operations
VAS: Infrastructure Management
Strategic Context and Global Expansion
Korean Air’s Validation History
Skyports’ International Footprint
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: Korean Air
UAV & Drones
MatrixSpace Launches Fusion 360 Multi-Sensor Portable Airspace Defense
MatrixSpace introduces Fusion 360, a multi-sensor C-UAS system integrating radar, RF, and optical sensors for commercial airspace security.
This article is based on an official press release from MatrixSpace and additional industry data.
On February 12, 2026, Burlington, Massachusetts-based MatrixSpace announced the launch of MatrixSpace Fusion 360, a new counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) designed to bring military-grade airspace awareness to commercial and public safety markets. The system integrates Radar-Systems, optical, and Radio Frequency (RF) sensors into a single, AI-native platform, aiming to solve the persistent issue of false alarms and “dark drone” detection in civilian environments.
According to the company’s announcement, the Fusion 360 system is engineered to address the logistical and financial barriers that have historically prevented stadiums, critical infrastructure, and local law enforcement from deploying advanced airspace security. By processing data at the “edge”, on the device itself rather than in a cloud server, MatrixSpace claims the system can deliver verified threat assessments rapidly, without the bandwidth dependencies of traditional systems.
The core technological shift introduced with Fusion 360 is its “fusion-native” architecture. Traditional low-cost C-UAS solutions often rely on a single sensor type, such as RF detection, which can be ineffective against autonomous Drones that do not transmit signals. Conversely, standalone radar systems can struggle with false positives, mistaking birds for drones.
MatrixSpace states that Fusion 360 correlates data from three distinct sources to verify targets:
A significant capability highlighted in the release is the system’s ability to detect “dark drones”, unmanned aircraft that do not broadcast Remote ID or RF signals. By utilizing a radar-first architecture, the system tracks the physical object regardless of its electronic emissions. Once a track is established, the system’s AI cues a Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) camera to provide visual confirmation, allowing operators to distinguish between actual threats and benign objects.
The system is designed for low Size, Weight, Power, and Cost (SWaP-C), a critical requirement for temporary events and mobile security units. According to technical details released regarding the component specifications, the radar unit is approximately the size of a large smartphone (8.7cm x 14.1cm) and weighs roughly 0.45 kg.
In terms of performance, the system offers the following detection ranges:
The platform runs on the MatrixSpace AiEdge software layer, which allows for local data processing. This capability ensures that the system remains operational even if connectivity to a central command center is severed, a vital feature for emergency response scenarios.
The launch of Fusion 360 represents a broader trend in the 2026 counter-drone market: the democratization of “layered” defense. Historically, fusing radar, RF, and optical data required complex integration of disparate systems from different vendors, often at a price point only accessible to national defense agencies. By packaging these three layers into a portable, cohesive unit, MatrixSpace is directly challenging established players like Dedrone and Echodyne. While competitors often rely on integrating third-party hardware, MatrixSpace’s strategy of building both the radar hardware and the AI software allows for tighter integration and potentially lower costs. This move aligns with the increasing regulatory pressure on facility managers to monitor airspace following the FAA’s 2026 integration roadmap.
Founded in 2019, MatrixSpace is led by CEO Greg Waters, formerly of Integrated Device Technology and Skyworks Solutions. The company has raised approximately $62.3 million to date, including a Series B round completed in late 2025. The company has previously secured wins in the U.S. Army’s xTechCounter Strike competition, signaling that while its focus is shifting toward commercial accessibility, its underlying technology retains military validation.
The Fusion 360 launch positions the company to capture the “middle market” of airspace security, users who need more than a simple RF scanner but cannot afford heavy, fixed-site military installations.
MatrixSpace Unveils Fusion 360: A Multi-Sensor Approach to Portable Airspace Defense
Moving Beyond Single-Sensor Limitations
Addressing the “Dark Drone” Threat
Technical Specifications and Portability
AirPro News Analysis
Company Background and Market Position
Sources
Photo Credit: MatrixSpace
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