China Unveils Matrix, the World’s Largest Flying Car, After Successful Flight Tests
SHANGHAI, China — In a bold leap toward the future of urban air mobility, Shanghai-based aviation company AutoFlight has unveiled Matrix, now recognized as the world’s largest flying car. Weighing nearly 11,000 pounds and boasting a wingspan close to 66 feet, Matrix recently completed successful flight tests near Shanghai, marking a significant milestone in an industry dominated mostly by small prototypes and compact designs.
Unlike many electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft that prioritize lightweight frames and seat four to six passengers, Matrix takes a different approach. Its scale and design allow it to operate more like a traditional aircraft rather than a personal air vehicle. The passenger version can carry up to 10 people, while a cargo variant is also in development to handle heavy transport needs.
This development highlights China’s strategic focus on dominating the so-called low-altitude economy, a sector that emphasizes short-distance flights using electric aircraft to move people and goods above congested urban roads. The Chinese government has been investing heavily in this emerging market, viewing it as a critical component of future transportation infrastructure.
Matrix measures approximately 56 feet in length and stands about 11 feet tall, making it significantly larger than most flying cars currently under development worldwide. Its successful flight tests demonstrate real-world performance at a scale rarely seen in the flying car industry, moving beyond mere concept images or brief hover demonstrations.
The electric propulsion system aligns with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable transportation. As cities worldwide grapple with traffic congestion and pollution, innovations like Matrix could redefine urban mobility.
AutoFlight’s achievement comes amid growing interest from regulatory and aviation authorities in integrating eVTOL aircraft into existing air traffic systems. Agencies such as the Federal Aviation Administration in the United States and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency have been developing frameworks to safely manage low-altitude airspace and certify new electric aircraft.
China’s Civil Aviation Administration (CAAC) has also been actively promoting the development and regulation of urban air mobility solutions, supporting companies like AutoFlight in bringing their innovations from prototype to commercial viability.
While the flying car concept has long captured the public imagination, Matrix’s scale and operational readiness represent a tangible step toward making air taxis and cargo drones a practical reality. The company plans to further refine the aircraft and expand testing to meet stringent safety and regulatory standards before commercial deployment.
As AutoFlight’s Matrix prepares for the next phases of development, it underscores the rapidly evolving landscape of electric aviation and the global race to pioneer new modes of transportation. For now, the successful flights near Shanghai offer a glimpse into a future where flying cars might become a common sight in city skies, reshaping how people and goods move in increasingly crowded urban environments.
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