Private Chinese technology group United Aircraft has revealed a prototype large tiltrotor vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capable uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) called the R6000 Lanying. Its name is directly translated into “Lanthanum Shadow” and apparently inspired after the rare-earth element.
United Aircraft released imagery of the full-scale R6000 prototype in an 11 October social media post, with company staff assembled in front of the aircraft holding a banner which stated: “The first United Aircraft R6000 Lanying rolls off the production line”.
The R6000 is being developed by its subsidiary Wuhu United Aircraft Technology – which specializes in research and development, production, flight testing, maintenance, training and technical support of advanced aircraft – located at the Wuhu Aviation Industrial Park in China’s eastern Anhui province. It was first introduced to the public as a concept at the Singapore Airshow in February 2024.
The R6000 appears to be inspired greatly by the Bell V-280 Valor design with high-mounted wings and wingtip-mounted engine nacelles and three-bladed proprotors. It also adopts similar VTOL to conventional flight conversion arrangement, where the engines remain in place and only the forward section of the nacelle along with the proprotors pivot – unlike the in-service V-22 Osprey where the entire nacelles pivot.
According to specifications released by United Aircraft, the R6000 features a maximum takeoff weight of 6,100 kg and is capable of carrying a payload of up to 2,000 kg. The company also claims that it is capable of attaining a cruise speed of up to 550 km/h in conventional flight mode and can operate out to a maximum range of 4,000 km. Its service ceiling is stated to be 25,000 ft.
“The R6000 offers the take-off and landing versatility of a helicopter while offering up to twice the speed,” the company stated, noted that it is envisioned to transport cargo or even between seven and 10 passengers.
United Aircraft also offers more conventional rotary-wing VTOL UAVs such as the proven coaxial TD220 UAV via its Zhong Hang Zhi Science and Technology Company (ZHZ) subsidiary.
by Jr Ng
