A range of eVTOLs, including a UFO-shaped aircraft, was put on display in China, showcasing rapid-launch capability and low-altitude maneuverability.
The ‘flying saucer’ can take off in three seconds and operate close to buildings or near the ground, according to Chinese media outlets.
Developers said it will initially be deployed for logistics transport and aerial rescue missions once it secures the required regulatory certifications.
Recently, Singapore unveiled its first locally designed eVTOL at Singapore Airshow 2026, developed over three years by researchers at Nanyang Technological University.
Low-altitude push
A silent aircraft with rotors enclosed inside its fuselage lifted off in front of an auditorium in downtown Wuhan, the capital of Hubei province, during a public display on February 24. Designed with a maximum payload capacity of 992 pounds (450 kilograms), the aircraft is positioned for practical urban applications.
The event took place outside the Hongshan Auditorium and featured four distinct eVTOL vehicles. The demonstration was part of Hubei’s provincial meeting, where local officials outlined the region’s economic agenda.
The display was held on the first working day after the Spring Festival holiday and highlighted locally developed aviation technology, according to China Daily.
The presentation underscored Hubei’s focus on advancing the low-altitude economy, which has been identified as a national strategic priority in China. By featuring domestically developed eVTOL aircraft at the official gathering, the province emphasized its commitment to accelerating development in the sector.
Industry executives and regulators have identified 2026 as a pivotal year for eVTOL commercialization. Multiple manufacturers are working to secure type certification and move toward mass production, making the coming year critical for the sector’s transition from development to commercial deployment, China Daily reported.
✨🇨🇳This is the world’s first ducted ton-class “flying saucer” eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft) developed by a Chinese team — it hovers steadily like a real UFO, revolutionizing urban air mobility with its innovative design! pic.twitter.com/nNeATmRriJ
— 🇨🇳XuZhenqing徐祯卿 (@XueJia24682) February 25, 2026
Hybrid eVTOL breakthrough
In addition to the UFO-style eVTOL, three other aircraft were showcased, highlighting different approaches to market entry.
A 1.2-ton eVTOL, which is claimed to be the world’s first ducted ton-class “flying saucer”, with enclosed rotors emphasized enhanced ground safety. Its developer is pursuing a dual strategy of direct sales at a projected price below 2 million yuan and a future ride-hailing style sharing model. A two-seat version is planned this year, targeting low-altitude logistics and tourism, reports China Daily.
A hybrid tilt-rotor V1000 was presented as a solution to range limitations associated with pure-electric models. With a range exceeding over 620 miles (1,000 kilometers) and a about 880 pounds (400-kilogram) payload capacity, it is designed to connect major cities without recharging.
The aircraft has received acceptance of its type certificate application from the Civil Aviation Administration of China and is scheduled for a first test flight in 2026.
Another prototype, described as a flying “micro-intensive care unit,” is configured for emergency medical response. Designed to carry a stretcher and portable CT scanner, the pure-electric aircraft aims to reduce hourly rescue costs to around 2,200 yuan.
Testing of medicine and plasma transport is planned this year. A compact model with simplified controls is being developed for recreational use, targeting a price below 500,000 yuan, as reported by China Daily.
National policy support includes revised civil aviation regulations effective in July and plans to expand low-altitude communications coverage to 90 percent by 2027. Hubei is developing nine eVTOL models, four of which have completed test flights.