The heavy R6000 convertiplane developed by United Aircraft successfully made its first free flight in China’s Sichuan province on December 28.
This landmark was described by its developer as the world’s first heavy convertiplane. R6000 It represents a significant advance for rotary and tilt-wing aviation.
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The testing followed the prototype’s first sling flight, which was carried out while grounded, about a month ago, during initial evaluations of systems and stability. Free flight confirms the maturity of the design and the ability of the aircraft to operate autonomously without external constraints.
With a mass of approximately six tonnes, the R6000 is designed to carry a load of up to two tonnes. In its crewed version currently under development, the convertiplane will be capable of carrying up to ten passengers, expanding its potential for use in both special missions and civilian operations.
According to preliminary information, the R6000 is expected to be equipped with the Chinese-made AES-100 turboprop engine, as well as an intelligent control system to optimize safety, performance and operational efficiency in different mission profiles.
United Aircraft sees the R6000 as a versatile and strategic platform, with planned applications in areas such as medical aviation, search and rescue operations, patrol missions, natural disaster response, commercial transportation and air tourism.
The success of the first free flight reinforces China’s ambition to expand its presence in the large-size vertical take-off and short landing aircraft segment.
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.
