AutoFlight Conducts First eVTOL Flight in Japan

(Okayama, Japan) Electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) company AutoFlight successfully completed the first flight of its two-ton electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in Japan on November 29th.

Photo of Autoflight’s electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicle courtesy of Autoflight.

AutoFlight’s demonstration took place in the Okayama Prefecture, showcasing potential eVTOL solutions designed to help address transportation challenges across the region.
 
The flight was conducted in partnership with MASC, a Japanese non-profit organization focused on advancing aerospace innovation, according to AutoFlight. MASC’s Setouchi Community AAM Infrastructure 2028 Project (SCAI28) aims to develop advanced air mobility (AAM) solutions to meet Japan’s transportation needs.
 
AutoFlight’s eVTOL aircraft offers vertical take-off and landing capabilities that eliminate the need for traditional runways, making it suitable for various uses, including cargo delivery, medical support, passenger transport, and tourism, per AutoFlight.
 
AutoFlight’s successful demonstration in Japan is the latest in a series of accomplishments for the company in 2024. Earlier this year, AutoFlight conducted milestone flights across China, including cross-city and cross-sea missions in the Pearl River Delta and a cross-Yangtze River flight. The company also completed a 123-kilometer flight in Abu Dhabi, highlighting its technical expertise and focus on battery efficiency.

AutoFlight’s Prosperity eVTOL specs:

• Max. Takeoff Weight: 2,200 kg (4850.17 lbs)
• Max. Range: 250 km (155 mi)
• Cruise Speed: 200 km/h (124.3 mph)
• Passenger Capacity: 4 seats + 1 Pilot