Photo: Manta Aircraft
China's self-proclaimed focus on the so-called "low-altitude economy," comprised of all manned and unmanned activities roughly below 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) within the airspace, is supporting several international AAM (Advanced Air Mobility) projects in addition to the domestic ones. The Italy-based Manta Aircraft is one of the latest electric aviation companies to take a leap all the way to China and establish strong partnerships with local players.
Manta Aircraft's ANN Plus hybrid-electric air taxi is set to enter service in China in the near future. It's the result of an extended collaboration between the Italian company and the Shenyang Aviation Industries Group. The two will work on accelerating the development and production technology for two full-scale prototypes. Plus, Shenyang will help Manta obtain the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) certification for the ANN Plus VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing).
Following this partnership, which also includes local industry player Baoding Kaiborui Technology, the Italian hybrid aircraft will become available in the Chinese and wider South Asian market, which is one of the most coveted markets for eVTOL makers worldwide.
Manta specifically makes hybrid-electric aircraft (HeV/STOL) instead of eVTOLs in order to ensure a significant range for regional mobility. The company’s hybrid propulsion system combines a turbo generator with batteries. The hybrid system helps recharge the batteries en-route, which in turn increases range and endurance without the need for ground-based recharge infrastructure.
Manta's HeVs offer the benefits of eVTOLs in the sense that they combine vertical takeoff and landing capabilities with the ability to operate from very short airstrips and airplane-like architecture. The ANN multi-model aircraft family includes the ANN drone, which can operate autonomously or with remote control; the ANN2, which is a two-seater for general aviation and a wide range of utility missions; and the ANN Plus, which is a luxurious six-seater specifically designed for business travel and personal mobility.
The ANN Plus combines a luxurious, comfortable cabin for up to five passengers with the versatility of a rugged multi-purpose aircraft. It can take off from almost anywhere, including unprepared remote areas. In terms of performance, it promises a range of up to 300 km (186 miles) in VTOL mode and an extensive 1,000 km (620 miles) range when using a short airstrip for STOL operations. Additionally, the ANN Plus can also be adapted for cargo operations, which is another sector that could benefit greatly from its increased range and versatility compared to eVTOLs.
The partnership between Manta and Shenyang Aviation was announced in anticipation of the China Airshow coming up next month. The event will take place in Zhuhai from November 12 to 17, and visitors will have the chance to take a closer look at a full-scale mockup of the Italian ANN Plus that will soon hit the Chinese market.
Following this partnership, which also includes local industry player Baoding Kaiborui Technology, the Italian hybrid aircraft will become available in the Chinese and wider South Asian market, which is one of the most coveted markets for eVTOL makers worldwide.
Manta specifically makes hybrid-electric aircraft (HeV/STOL) instead of eVTOLs in order to ensure a significant range for regional mobility. The company’s hybrid propulsion system combines a turbo generator with batteries. The hybrid system helps recharge the batteries en-route, which in turn increases range and endurance without the need for ground-based recharge infrastructure.
Manta's HeVs offer the benefits of eVTOLs in the sense that they combine vertical takeoff and landing capabilities with the ability to operate from very short airstrips and airplane-like architecture. The ANN multi-model aircraft family includes the ANN drone, which can operate autonomously or with remote control; the ANN2, which is a two-seater for general aviation and a wide range of utility missions; and the ANN Plus, which is a luxurious six-seater specifically designed for business travel and personal mobility.
The ANN Plus combines a luxurious, comfortable cabin for up to five passengers with the versatility of a rugged multi-purpose aircraft. It can take off from almost anywhere, including unprepared remote areas. In terms of performance, it promises a range of up to 300 km (186 miles) in VTOL mode and an extensive 1,000 km (620 miles) range when using a short airstrip for STOL operations. Additionally, the ANN Plus can also be adapted for cargo operations, which is another sector that could benefit greatly from its increased range and versatility compared to eVTOLs.
The partnership between Manta and Shenyang Aviation was announced in anticipation of the China Airshow coming up next month. The event will take place in Zhuhai from November 12 to 17, and visitors will have the chance to take a closer look at a full-scale mockup of the Italian ANN Plus that will soon hit the Chinese market.
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