AutoFlight Aviation's V2000CG eVTOL: A New Heavy-Lift Cargo Drones

Chinese startup Fengfei, known as AutoFlight in the West, has secured a production certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) for its V2000CG Carry-All autonomous cargo aircraft. This certification, awarded on December 24, 2024, marks the world’s first production approval for an eVTOL exceeding 1,000 kg (2,205 lbs), with the aircraft’s gross weight capped at 2,000 kg (4,400 lbs). With this certification, AutoFlight is set to accelerate mass production, secure individual aircraft certifications, and enhance deliveries and after-sales services, further advancing its position in the eVTOL industry.

Technical Specifications and Design

The V2000CG employs a lift-plus-cruise configuration, utilizing eight dedicated lift rotors for vertical flight and two forward-facing propellers for efficient cruising.  Its carbon-fiber composite airframe and modular cargo compartments enable diverse applications, from urban logistics to emergency medical supply delivery.

Specifications include:

Regulatory Breakthrough

The V2000CG’s certification process blended two regulatory frameworks:

• CCAR-92 for uncrewed aircraft systems
• CCAR-21-R4 for general aviation aircraft

This hybrid approach reflects the CAAC’s adaptation of airworthiness standards to address the unique challenges of heavy-lift eVTOLs. The certification sets a precedent for future large-scale uncrewed aircraft, requiring rigorous safety and performance validation.

AutoFlight’s achievement follows EHang’s 2023 type certification for the 650-kg EH216-S passenger eVTOL. However, the V2000CG’s approval represents a leap in scale, demonstrating regulatory confidence in heavier eVTOL applications.

Strategic Implications

Fengfei Aviation’s dual identity—as a Chinese domestic innovator and global brand (AutoFlight)—enables it to leverage manufacturing expertise while expanding internationally. The company’s portfolio includes:

• V2000CG: Heavy-lift cargo focus
• Prosperity I: Passenger eVTOL (4 seats, 350 kg payload)

Recent deliveries to Japan and partnerships with European logistics firms highlight its global ambitions.

Pathfinder for Passenger Models

The CarryAll’s certification directly supports AutoFlight’s next goal: type certification for its Prosperity passenger eVTOL. The Prosperity I, designed under China’s equivalent of the FAA’s Part 21.17(b) special class for powered-lift aircraft, is now undergoing regulatory evaluation.

Commercial readiness

AutoFlight is advancing toward commercial operations by scaling the V2000CG Carry All production while building delivery infrastructure and after-sales support networks. These efforts aim to meet existing demand from Chinese logistics companies and low-altitude operators, who have already placed orders for the heavy-lift eVTOL.

The startup’s phased approach prioritizes establishing reliable manufacturing and service ecosystems to ensure operational readiness as deployments expand across regional markets.

Market Position

The CAAC’s endorsement strengthens AutoFlight’s position in China’s competitive eVTOL sector, where companies like EHang dominate passenger-focused models. By prioritizing heavy cargo applications first, AutoFlight adopts a pragmatic approach to commercialization, addressing immediate logistics demands while laying the groundwork for passenger services. This milestone underscores China’s accelerating leadership in advanced air mobility, with regulatory frameworks evolving to support increasingly ambitious eVTOL projects.

Regulatory and Market Impact

The V2000CG’s certification represents a pivotal moment for the eVTOL sector, establishing regulatory and market precedents with far-reaching implications. As the first heavy-lift eVTOL to achieve type certification under blended CCAR-92 and CCAR-21-R4 frameworks, it provides a roadmap for future approvals, potentially accelerating global regulatory standardization for large,e uncrewed aircraft.

This milestone also signals a critical shift toward commercial viability, demonstrating that eVTOL technology has matured beyond prototypes into practical solutions—a development already attracting heightened investor interest and industry partnerships.

Operationally, the aircraft’s capabilities address pressing logistics challenges: it bypasses urban congestion through aerial routes, delivers cargo to infrastructure-limited regions, and achieves these tasks with zero emissions and reduced noise compared to traditional helicopters. These advantages position the V2000CG as a regulatory trailblazer and a commercially scalable tool for modernizing freight networks.

Competitive Landscape

While the V2000CG leads in payload capacity, several competitors are advancing in the cargo eVTOL sector:

The V2000CG’s 500 kg payload surpasses most rivals, though competitors like MightyFly emphasize range, and EHang prioritizes autonomy.

Future Implications

The V2000CG’s certification validates heavy-lift eVTOLs as practical tools for modern logistics. Combining helicopter-like versatility with lower operating costs and zero emissions addresses critical gaps in supply chain efficiency. As competitors race to match its capabilities, the V2000CG positions AutoFlight as a pioneer in reshaping regional cargo transport, particularly in Asia’s rapidly growing urban centers.

This milestone underscores China’s growing influence in advanced air mobility, potentially shaping international standards for eVTOL operations.