165
China claims breakthrough with world’s first ducted eVTOL that can lift nearly half a ton
(interestingengineering.com)
this post was submitted on 02 Mar 2026
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Does the definition of VTOL not include the ability to transition to forward thrust? Looks cool but I'd just call it a multicopter
It stands for Vertical Take Off and Landing
The implied part of VTOL is that it's only vertical for takeoff and landing, and otherwise primarily a horizontally propelled craft.
What do you mean a hot air balloon isnt vtol???
Yes I do know that, but I am not aware of any aircraft that is "a VTOL" but only does vertical take off and landing
If it only did up and down then it wouldn't be very practical or useful in most applications. There must be some sort of propulsion
Tilting like helicopters and multicopters, you don't need a dedicated directional thrust, just vectoring
It does have some surfaces that look like they could produce lift.
Traveling fast enough it could probably lose thrust and "land" horizontally... Until the legs grab and it tumbles.