The Honghu eVTOL, a groundbreaking electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, made its public debut at the 2026 Inclusion·Bund Conference. Designed by Dr. Bai Zhiliang, a post-1995 PhD graduate from Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU), this pre-production prototype marks a significant milestone in China's eVTOL technology, aligning with civil aviation standards and approaching mass production.

The Honghu eVTOL is a five-seater with an 11.8-meter wingspan and a maximum takeoff weight of 2,500 kg. It boasts a cruising speed of 320 km/h and a 60-minute flight endurance. Unlike earlier engineering models, this prototype has been optimized through extensive test flights and meets stringent airworthiness standards.

Pioneering the tilt-rotor design, Bai's team at Huayu Xianxiang, China's first and the world's second company after Joby to achieve full tilt-rotor transition flight, has tackled complex technical challenges. The tilt-rotor design allows the aircraft to transition from vertical takeoff to fixed-wing flight, offering greater speed, range, and efficiency.

Bai Zhiliang, driven by a passion for aviation since childhood, has spent a decade at NPU, progressing from undergraduate to doctoral studies. His achievements include winning international design competitions and contributing to significant advancements in eVTOL technology.

In 2022, Bai co-founded Huayu Xianxiang at NPU’s National University Science Park, focusing on eVTOL development and commercialization. The team has achieved key milestones, including China's first full tilt-rotor eVTOL flight and transition flight verification, with type certification application in progress.

Bai, recognized by Hurun's U30 China Entrepreneurial Leaders list, envisions Honghu eVTOLs revolutionizing urban commuting and short-distance travel. As he puts it, "Our generation is writing a new chapter in low-altitude economy, building on the legacy of our predecessors."

From a childhood dream to a near-production reality, Bai’s journey exemplifies the innovative spirit driving China's aviation industry forward.