Manta Aircraft and China’s Shenyang Aviation Industries Group have officially entered into a partnership to advance hybrid electric vertical and short takeoff and landing (HeV/STOL) aircraft in the Chinese market.
This collaboration centres on developing and certifying Manta’s six-seater ANN Plus aircraft, which combines the versatility of helicopters with the efficiency of fixed-wing flight.
The ANN Plus aircraft integrates a hybrid propulsion system equipped with four ducted fans for hovering and four for cruising, enhancing its range and cruising speed beyond conventional electric VTOL models.
In VTOL mode, the ANN Plus offers a 300 km range, which extends up to 1,000 km in STOL mode, enabling flexible operations from airports, helipads, and remote or unprepared locations. This extended range makes it an ideal solution for regions with limited infrastructure, particularly in South and East Asia.
Lucas Marchesini, CEO of Manta Aircraft, highlighted the advantages of launching in the Chinese market, emphasising efficiency in certification and supply chains: “The certification process by the Civil Aviation Administration is faster than in Europe. This means we can start putting aircraft in the air sooner. China is big and needs regional and interregional transportation systems, so there is interest in having aircraft which can cover from 150 to 1,000 km. There is also the advantage of the suppliers. In China, there are suppliers of all the components of the aircraft, and that means supply chains are more compact with less waiting time and lower costs.”
During a rollout event on October 26, both companies committed to extensive joint R&D, including the construction of two full-scale prototypes and certification through the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). The partnership also encompasses manufacturing, maintenance, and marketing support across China and South Asia, supported by Baoding Kaiborui Technologies, a key player in industrialisation and operations.
Showcase at the China Airshow
The ANN Plus will make its public debut with a full-scale mock-up at the China Airshow in Zhuhai from 12-17 November 2024. The companies plan to present detailed insights into the aircraft’s design and operational capabilities, showcasing its potential as a scalable, multifunctional hybrid solution for public and private sectors.
Marchesini shared his excitement about this upcoming showcase: “Until now we have only shown the exteriors, but a lot of work has gone into the inside,” he explained.
Manta Aircraft has prioritised sustainability and adaptability in its design, opting for a conventional canard layout tested extensively through wind tunnels and computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Its hybrid propulsion system features in-flight battery recharging, minimising ground support needs – an advantage for long-distance and offshore missions.
This partnership aligns with China’s vision for a Low Altitude Economy, as regulatory frameworks evolve to accommodate eVTOL and other low-altitude aircraft in general aviation.
China’s initiatives toward regulatory reform and pilot project zones aim to foster new aviation entrants, such as the ANN Plus, in a rapidly modernising sector. Marchesini underscored the country’s commitment: “China wants to put in place low-altitude aviation, what they call AAM. They are pushing for it in many provinces and understand that they have to help with the certification to do this. They are faster than the FAA and EASA and take a different approach, they allow the aircraft to be in flight sooner. It’s clear that the certification framework is not completely defined, but the collaboration from the CAAC is good.”
