Low-logistics LEU100 eVTOL aircraft has begun flight testing. Source | HRC

Low-altitude logistics is rapidly emerging as a key driver of next-gen transportation systems, supported by ongoing policy developments and accelerated advancements in composite materials, aviation engineering and autonomous flight technologies. Within this evolving landscape, composites companies like HRC (Jiangshu, China) are supporting the development of eVTOL aircraft applications like the LEU100. Developed by Range Aviation (Hefei, China), the logistics aircraft’s preparation for real-world deployment has been guided by HRC’s structural design, composites engineering and manufacturing support.

With a maximum takeoff weight of 140 kilograms, a range of 200 kilometers, cruising speed of 120 kilometers/hour and a 55-kilogram payload capacity, the LEU100 is engineered for high-demand missions including logistics transport, medical rescue, emergency response and remote sensing. Its performance profile positions it as a medium-sized logistics eVTOL platform advancing toward commercialization.

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HRC contributed across the entire composite airframe development chain — from conceptual structural layouts and material development to engineering simulation, precision composite molding, final assembly support and compliance verification. The fuselage uses a carbon fiber composite foam sandwich structure, delivering significant weight reduction while ensuring stiffness and in-service durability. Quick-assembly interfaces at the wing fuselage and vertical tail fuselage connections further enhance transportability and final assembly efficiency. Additional components — including the nose cone, cabin doors and battery access covers — were engineered for optimized accessibility and streamlined maintenance.

As part of its engineering role, HRC conducted comprehensive manufacturing compliance checks, ensuring all composite structures and processes met stringent airworthiness and customer requirements. The aircraft’s type certificate (TC) application was accepted by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) in August 2024, with the first development aircraft completing system tests, ground tests, protected and unprotected flight tests, and full-process transition flights.

The LEU100 was displayed at the 8^th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in early November 2025, showcased at the HRC booth. Its engineering quality, structural innovations and potential to accelerate the low-altitude logistics ecosystem attracted strong interest from industry stakeholders and visitors.

As the low-altitude economy accelerates globally, HRC has established itself as a partner capable of integrating R&D, design and engineering, composite manufacturing and final assembly within one unified platform. The company continues to collaborate with OEMs including Xpeng, Aeroht, Aerofugia, Aeroone, Yitong UAV, Xi’an Aircraft Co., Air White Whale and Range Aviation, contributing to multiple next-gen aircraft programs.

Looking ahead, HRC will continue advancing its composite engineering capabilities to support the commercialization of innovative low-altitude platforms.