The R6000 heavy convertible, developed by United Aircraft, successfully completed its first free flight on December 28 in China’s Sichuan province.
This milestone represents a significant advance for rotary-wing and tilt-wing aviation, as R6000 it is described by its developer as the world’s first heavy convertoplane.
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The test took place about a month after the prototype made its maiden flight in docked mode, when the aircraft remained tethered to the ground during initial systems and stability evaluations. The free flight confirms the maturity of the project and the aircraft’s ability to operate autonomously without external restrictions.
With a mass of around six tonnes, the R6000 was designed to carry up to two tonnes of cargo. In the manned version, currently under development, the convertoplane will be able to accommodate up to ten passengers, expanding its potential for use in both specialized missions and civilian operations.
According to preliminary information, the R6000 is expected to be equipped with the Chinese AES-100 turboprop engine, as well as an intelligent control system designed to optimize safety, performance and operational efficiency in various mission profiles.
United Aircraft considers the R6000 a versatile and strategic platform, with planned applications in medical aviation, search and rescue operations, patrol missions, natural disaster response, commercial transport and air tourism.
The success of the first free flight reinforces China’s ambition to expand its presence in the segment of large vertical take-off and short-range landing aircraft.
Source and Images: United Aircraft | Global Times, X @globaltimesnews | Avianews, Telegram @AviaCT. This content was created with the help of artificial intelligence and reviewed by the editorial team.
