An electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft prepares to land at an offshore oil platform, located 150 kilometers off the coast of Shenzhen, on Sunday. Courtesy of CNOOC
A DOMESTICALLY developed electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft completed the world’s first cargo flight from land to an offshore oil platform, located 150 kilometers off the coast of Shenzhen, on Sunday.
Carrying fresh fruit and emergency medical supplies, the aircraft departed from Shenzhen and safely landed on the Huizhou 19-3 oil platform after a 58-minute flight over the sea.
The test flight was jointly conducted by China National Offshore Oil Corp. (CNOOC), CITIC Offshore Helicopter Co. Ltd., and AutoFlight. The mission marked a breakthrough for long-range logistics, demonstrating the capability of low-altitude delivery to offshore facilities under real marine operational conditions.
“The successful test flight that involved vertical takeoff and landing, hovering, and a long-distance cross-sea trip in an environment characterized by high-salt fog, high humidity, and strong winds proved that eVTOL aircraft are reliable in offshore oil industry scenarios,” said Xie Jia, senior vice president of AutoFlight.
Traditionally, CNOOC has primarily relied on ships to supply its offshore platforms in the South China Sea. However, with a one-way trip taking about 10 hours, this method is impractical for emergencies. While helicopters can be used for urgent needs, flights come at a relatively high cost.
The eVTOL aircraft demonstrated significant advantages, including operational cost control, rapid response, environmental friendliness, comfort, and the ability to take off and land within a limited space, said Ren Yongyi, deputy manager of the coordination department of CNOOC’s Shenzhen branch.
“This flight deeply integrates innovative aviation technology and real offshore operational needs, achieving a new breakthrough in long-distance, low-attitude logistics between sea and land,” said Ren.
The 2-metric-ton-class eVTOL aircraft is the world’s first in its category to receive a type certificate, production license, and individual airworthiness certificate. It is estimated that by 2030, China’s low-altitude economy will reach 3 trillion yuan (US$417 billion). (Shenzhen Daily)
