Fengfei Shengshilong No. 4 eVTOL Sets World Record With 250.3 km Single-Charge Flight
Fengfei Aviation Technology recently announced that its Shengshilong No. 4 electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft completed a 250.3‑kilometer flight on a single charge, establishing a new world benchmark for two-ton electric flying vehicles. This milestone surpasses the prior record of 248.8 kilometers, set by Joby Aviation in the United States. The company notes the run was conducted at Jining Base in China, with comprehensive documentation captured by onboard cameras and supporting drones to verify every phase of the journey (citation: Fengfei Aviation Technology official release).
The Shengshilong No. 4 is an all‑electric design with a maximum takeoff weight of about two tons and a cabin configured for five seats. It operates autonomously, combining a multi‑rotor setup that enables vertical lift with forward propulsion to achieve speeds up to roughly 200 km/h. The vehicle’s flight profile demonstrates a two‑stage approach: vertical takeoff using dedicated lift rotors, followed by winged cruise once the aircraft gains enough velocity (citation: Fengfei Aviation Technology update).
During flight, once the craft reaches sufficient airspeed, the vertical lift rotors are deactivated, allowing the machine to transition to airplane‑like flight on its wings. This capability highlights the core advantage of vertical takeoff and landing technology: it does not require traditional runways or airports. In comparison with helicopters, the Shengshilong No. 4 is pitched as quieter, more environmentally friendly, and potentially safer and more economical in everyday use, thanks to its electric propulsion and simplified airframe design (citation: Fengfei Aviation Technology assessment).
Projections for the near future point toward urban mobility and intercity travel using eVTOL platforms. Fengfei emphasizes that the Shengshilong No. 4 is a step toward practical, everyday air transportation, not just a proof of concept. Industry observers will watch closely to see how regulatory, infrastructure, and pilot‑training frameworks evolve to accommodate such aircraft as they move toward broader testing and potential market deployment (citation: Fengfei Aviation Technology outlook).