China successfully tested a flying taxi prototype: Maximum speed 260km/h, flight range 200km

Shanghai-based TCab Tech recently officially became one of China's leading eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing equipment) candidates, after claiming to have made it. multiple test flights of its E20 flying taxi prototype. The prototype was built to be 50% of the finished product, could take off and land vertically, as well as switch to forward flight mode.

 Its main wing is designed to simulate the wings of a seagull.

The E20 is a product with an interesting design, with 5 seats for the pilot and 4 passengers. Its main wing is designed to simulate the wings of a seagull, with 6 propellers of which 4 can be adjusted in many directions to create lift (lower) or thrust to move forward.

The test video doesn't give us a close-up of the E20's attractive tilting mechanism, but it does give a good feel for acceleration as the propulsion begins to tilt.

China's E20 flying taxi prototype

With a simple but functional propeller system design, the E20 possesses a maximum speed of up to 260 km / h, but the TCab manufacturer only promises an operating distance of 200 km. These figures are lower than the 330km/h top speed and 241km range of the Joby S4 prototype from an American company Joby Aviation.

However, these numbers are only theoretical and will change depending on the actual operating situation. Manufacturer TCab also says it has built at least one full-size prototype, as well as smaller prototypes for testing. In May 2021, a prototype of 25% size completed many tests on flight changes. Then in December 2021, the company produced a 50% more prototype with a wingspan of 6 meters to continue the tests.

And now, after successfully conducting dozens of test flights with prototypes of 50% size, the manufacturer is very confident in the future of the product when it comes to market. In particular, the new prototype has demonstrated its perfect ability to transition from a vertical state to a forward flight and then a vertical landing. This prototype has also added options to fine-tune the propeller angles.

It can be said, but TCab's recent achievements, especially in vector propulsion design, have put the company on the list of China's most advanced eVTOL developers. And certainly, it promises to be a notable name in the global warming eVTOL market.