On August 3, China's self-developed large electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, the V2000CG "CarryAll," completed the world's first offshore oil platform cargo delivery, marking a milestone for low-altitude logistics applications across land and sea.
Jointly carried out by China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), CITIC Offshore Helicopter, and Autoflight, the test flight saw the two-tonne-class "CarryAll," the world's first eVTOL certified with type, production, and airworthiness licenses, transport fresh fruit and emergency medical supplies.
The aircraft took off from a land-based launch site in Shenzhen, flew 58 minutes across open water, and landed on the Huizhou 19-3 offshore oil and gas platform, 150 kilometers from the coast.
Traditionally, offshore platforms rely on ships for resupply, which can take up to 10 hours per trip, or on helicopters for urgent needs at a high cost. The eVTOL offers a new model with lower operating expenses, faster response, zero emissions, and the ability to take off and land in confined spaces.
The V2000CG features a composite wing design, a 200-kilometer range, a maximum speed of 200 km/h, and a 400-kilogram payload.
With China's low-altitude economy projected to reach three trillion yuan by 2030, experts say offshore applications such as personnel transport, medical rescue, and high-value cargo delivery will become key growth drivers, showcasing the vast potential of eVTOL technology in the energy sector.
Reporter: Zeng Xiangxing
Video: Zeng Xiangxing
Poster: Zeng Xiangxing
Editor: Hu Nan, James, Shen He
