An electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, developed by the ninth academy of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, completed its maiden flight in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality on Friday.
The aircraft also successfully completed all performance verifications, according to its developer.
Featuring a novel configuration that combines air vehicles and automobile designs, the eVTOL aircraft can seamlessly switch between land and air travel modes to meet diverse transport needs, its developer said.
Consisting of wings, a cabin and a chassis, the aircraft has two major components: an airborne module and a road-going module. The airborne module can carry two passengers at speeds of up to 150 kilometers per hour at altitudes below 3,000 meters, while the road-going module, featuring a fully electric intelligent chassis, offers a range exceeding 300 kilometers.
As a multipurpose low-altitude equipment, the eVTOL aircraft can be used in fields such as transportation, logistics and emergency support, according to its developer.
China's space industry-developed eVTOL aircraft completes first flight
Some Japanese people said on Thursday that the government led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi must firmly uphold the pacifist constitution.
Their remarks came after French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Japan from Tuesday to Thursday.
Attending a joint press conference with Takaichi on Wednesday, Macron emphasized that France and Japan have agreed on the importance of on the importance of quickly de-escalating the conflict in the Middle East and upholding international law.
Many saw this as a response to a strongly worded post by U.S. President Donald Trump on social media, which criticized France for refusing to cooperate with the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.
Some locals in Tokyo expressed their opposition to Japan's involvement in any war, but said Japan could offer help when the conflict in the Middle East ends.
"I think that Prime Minister Takaichi could offer support, provided that we wouldn't get involved in an armed conflict, such as minesweeping operations at sea, as Japan has the best minesweeping technology in the world," said a resident in Tokyo.
"I'm not entirely sure what consequences will follow Trump's demands. There may be additional tariffs, among other things. Our constitution prohibits [Japan's] from getting involved in war, and Prime Minister Takaichi should uphold this principle," said another resident.
Tokyo residents urge PM Takaichi to uphold pacifist constitution
