Only the United States and Italy have so far had the ability to produce vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft with tilt-fans. But now this duopoly club has finally been joined by China with their tilt-fan VTOL aircraft that has successfully made its first flight.
Pictures of a mysterious aircraft that has never been revealed before appeared on social media sites yesterday. In terms of design, the aircraft, which is believed to be developed by AVIC, uses a propeller design similar to the Bell MV-75 Valor. Only the propeller part can be changed to point forward and upward, different from the Bell V-22 Osprey design that drives a large pod with engines.
Each engine is matched with a propeller with three blades and is smaller in size than the Valor. There is a large cargo door at the rear, stowable landing gear and a tail in a T-configuration.
This mysterious aircraft is the second tilt-fan VTOL aircraft to be shown in China. Last year, United Aircraft Group (UAG) showed off its Lanying R6000 drone. The R6000 drone is designed to carry cargo for commercial purposes but has not yet made its first flight.
The development of these two aircraft is also believed to have a secondary function of being used for military purposes. With China seeking to claim small islands in the South China Sea, aircraft that can operate from islands without airstrips are needed.