Chinese technology firm Zhiyuan Research Institute has launched a tri-ducted wearable electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, conducting a demonstration flight in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province.
The single-person vehicle features a pioneering three-duct layout, with propulsion units positioned on the left, right, and rear, making it the world’s first manned aircraft to adopt a control-surface-based tri-duct design, according to China News Service.
The aircraft offers hands-free operation and agile maneuverability. In emergencies, it offers a one-click separation system that deploys a low-altitude parachute to ensure a safe landing for the pilot, the company told Chinese news site Global Times on Sunday.
The aircraft’s ground station-assisted control system enables stable hovering and autonomous flight. The Hangzhou-based firm said the vehicle could be used for emergency rescue, electrical maintenance, skyscraper cleaning, sightseeing and entertainment, border patrol, and customs inspections.
Zhiyuan Research Institute’s flying vehicle made its public debut in Hangzhou on April 27, 2025. Video courtesy of Zhiyuan Research Institute
The launch marks another step in China’s push into the flying vehicle sector. In March the country issued its first commercial approvals for autonomous passenger drones, with Nasdaq-listed EHang Holdings and Hefei Hey Airlines receiving air operator certificates from the Civil Aviation Administration of China, the South China Morning Post reported quoting Xinhua news agency.
Luo Jun, executive director of the China Low Altitude Economic Alliance, said that drones and eVTOL vehicles are expected to expand into more applications by integrating artificial intelligence technologies.
He expected the domestic low-altitude economy to surpass 1 trillion yuan (US$137.23 billion) by 2030.
The low-altitude economy has become a policy priority in China, with this year’s government work report pledging to promote the safe and orderly development of commercial space, the low-altitude sector and other emerging industries.
