This article summarizes reporting by Global Times.

United Aircraft Lanying R6000 Completes Maiden Flight in Sichuan

On December 28, 2025, the Chinese aviation manufacturer United Aircraft successfully conducted the maiden flight of the Lanying R6000 in Deyang City, Sichuan Province. According to reporting by the Global Times, the aircraft is marketed as the world’s first 6-ton-class tiltrotor, marking a significant development in China’s push for independent aviation technology and the expansion of its “low-altitude economy.”

The R6000, also known as the “Lanthanum Shadow,” combines the vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) flexibility of a helicopter with the high-speed cruising capabilities of a fixed-wing turboprop. United Aircraft aims to utilize this platform for a variety of missions, including inter-city commuting, emergency rescue, and long-distance logistics.

Technical Specifications and Performance

The Lanying R6000 is designed to fill a specific niche in the heavy-lift VTOL market. While other tiltrotors exist, such as the military V-22 Osprey and the civilian AgustaWestland AW609, the R6000 is specifically categorized in the 6-ton maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) class. According to data cited by the Global Times and United Aircraft, the aircraft features a maximum cruising speed of 550 kilometers per hour (approx. 342 mph) and a maximum range of 4,000 kilometers (approx. 2,485 miles).

Key Capabilities

The aircraft is engineered to carry up to 10 passengers or a payload of 2,000 kilograms (2 tons). Its service ceiling is reported to be 7,620 meters (25,000 feet), allowing it to operate above most adverse weather conditions. A critical component of the R6000’s design is its propulsion system; it is powered by the AES100 turboshaft engine, which was independently developed by the Aero Engine Corporation of China (AECC).

United Aircraft project manager Zhao Fengming highlighted the specific design choices made to enhance safety and operational flexibility. In an interview with the Global Times, Zhao noted:

“The R6000 indicates China has reached the forefront of the world in tiltrotor technology, breaking a long-standing technological monopoly.”

Zhao further explained that the aircraft utilizes a tilting rotor shaft configuration rather than tilting the entire engine nacelle. This design choice is intended to prevent high-temperature exhaust from damaging landing decks or endangering ground personnel during operations.

Strategic Importance to the Low-Altitude Economy

The successful flight of the R6000 aligns with China’s broader strategic goal of developing a “low-altitude economy,” a sector projected to reach a value of 1.5 trillion yuan by 2025. By offering speeds nearly double that of traditional helicopters and ranges four times greater, the R6000 is positioned to revolutionize regional transport networks.

The aircraft is described as a “pilotless” prototype in its current iteration, capable of autonomous passenger transport. This feature distinguishes it from traditional piloted tiltrotors and aligns it with the growing trend of autonomous aerial logistics and transit.

AirPro News Analysis

The introduction of the R6000 represents a calculated move to occupy the “middle ground” of the VTOL market. While the western AW609 sits at approximately 8 tons and the military V-280 Valor at roughly 13 tons, the 6-ton R6000 offers a lighter, potentially more efficient solution for regional commercial hops that are too long for electric air taxis (eVTOLs) but too short for fixed-wing jets.

Furthermore, the integration of the domestic AES100 engine is perhaps the most significant industrial achievement here. Reliance on foreign engines has historically been a bottleneck for Chinese civil aviation; certifying and flying a domestic engine on a complex tiltrotor platform demonstrates a maturing supply chain capable of supporting high-performance airframes without external dependency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a tiltrotor aircraft?
A tiltrotor uses rotors that can tilt vertical for takeoff and landing (like a helicopter) and rotate forward for horizontal flight (like an airplane), offering the best of both worlds.

Is the R6000 electric?
No. The R6000 is powered by the AES100 turboshaft engine, utilizing traditional aviation fuel to achieve ranges (4,000 km) that current battery-electric technology cannot match.

When will it enter service?
While the maiden flight was completed on December 28, 2025, specific dates for commercial entry into service have not been confirmed. The aircraft is currently in the prototype flight testing phase.

Sources

• Global Times