Wuhan showcases China’s breakthrough with world’s first robust UFO-like aircraft Video

China has unveiled a new range of Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing aircraft (eVTOLs), including a UFO-shaped model designed to highlight rapid-launch capability and agile low-altitude maneuvering. The so-called “flying saucer” can reportedly lift off within three seconds and operate close to buildings or near ground level.

Its developers say the aircraft will initially be deployed for logistics transport and aerial rescue missions once it obtains the necessary regulatory certifications, as cited in a report by Interesting Engineering.

During a public demonstration on February 24, a silent aircraft with rotors enclosed within its fuselage rose into the air in front of an auditorium in downtown Wuhan, capital of Hubei province. With a maximum payload capacity of 450 kilograms, the vehicle is being positioned for practical use in urban environments, which makes it the world’s first ducted ton-class eVTOL.

✨🇨🇳This is the world's first ducted ton-class "flying saucer" eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft) developed by a Chinese team — it hovers steadily like a real UFO, revolutionizing urban air mobility with its innovative design! pic.twitter.com/nNeATmRriJ

— 🇨🇳XuZhenqing徐祯卿 (@XueJia24682) February 25, 2026

The display took place outside the Hongshan Auditorium and featured four distinct eVTOL models. The event coincided with Hubei’s provincial meeting, where officials outlined the region’s broader economic strategy.

The showcase highlighted Hubei’s ambition to advance what China terms the “low-altitude economy,” a sector designated as a national strategic priority.

By presenting domestically developed eVTOL aircraft at an official gathering, provincial authorities signalled their intent to accelerate innovation and commercialization in the field. Hubei is currently developing nine eVTOL prototypes, four of which have already completed test flights.

According to the article, several Chinese media outlets report that industry leaders and regulators see 2026 as a decisive year for eVTOL commercialization. Manufacturers are racing to secure type certification and transition toward mass production, making the coming year critical for moving from prototype development to real-world deployment.

Beyond China, interest in the technology is growing. Most recently, Singapore unveiled its first domestically designed eVTOL at the Singapore Airshow 2026, developed over three years by researchers at Nanyang Technological University.

By Nazrin Sadigova