Contributor - Asia

Jennifer Meszaros

Shenzhen Yingwu Intelligent Technologies Co., Ltd. is seeking to carve out a distinct niche in the ultralight segment of the emerging eVTOL aircraft market to exploit demand it says is growing in China personal aerial mobility. Operating under the brand Yivtol, in September the start-up secured what it said is the first special flight permit under China’s Chapter O of CCAR-91 rules—similar to the FAA’s Part 103—for its single-seat S-Zero eVTOL model.
While exhibiting at the Aero Asia show in Zhuhai last week, Yivtol reported that in October it finalized insurance arrangements for ultralight customers with China CR Insurance, covering hull, passenger and third-party liability. It said the cover will also allow it to proceed with demonstration and scenic flight operations.
Co-founder Chen Yuan told AIN the S-Zero has now completed what he said are the world’s first wind wall and wind tunnel testing program for an ultralight eVTOL. During recent trials in Shenzhen, the aircraft was exposed to a range of wind conditions—from steady airflow to time-varying gusts simulating real atmospheric turbulence—within controlled wind speeds ranging from Beaufort scale 2 to 7.&nbsp;According to Chen, the tests evaluated the S-Zero’s aerodynamic stability, structural resilience, and flight-control performance, providing critical data to support future flight tests and safe operation across a range of low-altitude environments.
“Passing these tests under realistic wind conditions is a critical step toward certifying the safety and reliability of the S-Zero,” Chen explained. “The data we’ve gathered not only validates our design but also reinforces our commitment to operational safety ahead of public demonstrations and commercial deployment.”
The S-Zero incorporates a folding, four-arm, eight-rotor layout for transport and storage. One-click controls for engine start, takeoff, and landing, along with three flight-control modes, manage operation, while safety systems include a titanium-alloy frame, an airframe airbag, and a parachute. The semi-solid-state battery supports a two-minute quick-swap and integrates a battery management system along with what the company calls “high-security pack encapsulation technology.”
<h2>New Generation eVTOL In the Works</h2>
Yivtol is already working on a fourth-generation model called the S-One. This retains the S-Zero’s folding, lightweight layout but adds a four-ducted-fan propulsion system and is constructed primarily from carbon fiber to remain under the 116-kilogram (255 pounds) ultralight limit under Chinese regulations. The S-One also offers an autonomous flight-management system capable of handling route planning, obstacle avoidance, and takeoff and landing, while learning the pilot’s preferences over time.
Both of these aircraft share a maximum speed of 70 kilometers per hour (37 knots), a flight duration of 30 minutes, a range of 35 kilometers (19 nm). The payload limit is 100 kilograms (220 pounds).
Yivtol expects low-altitude sports and tourism flights to be among the initial use cases, but believes that eventually the ultralights could play a wider role in urban air mobility, eventually operating from so-called low-altitude hubs. Chen emphasized that finalizing ultralight insurance coverage and ramping up production are key steps in moving from demonstration to broader commercial availability.
The company said that within two months of launching the S-Zero it has secured over 200 orders from clients in the U.S., Argentina, New Zealand, Thailand, the Philippines, the UAE, and Spain. However, it has yet to explain how it will completed the required certification and approval processes in these countries.

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

Chinese Start-up Yivtol Pins Hopes on Ultralight Personal eVTOL Aircraft

Yivtol was one of several eVTOL aircraft developers at the Aero Asia show 

Yivtol has secured a special flight permit for its S-Zero single-seat eVTOL model under the Chinese equivalent of FAA's Part 103 rules. 

Chinese Start-up Offers Ultralight Personal eVTOL Aircraft

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

News and developments about everything that goes into the cabin of an aircraft, from floor coverings to headliners, with a special emphasis on in-flight entertainment, communications and other electronics for passengers. If it is in the cabin of an aircraft, it’s covered here.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Five different VIP cabin interiors available for derivative of C909 airliner

China’s Comac Offers Alternative to Western Business Jets

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

Honda Opens Up About Plans for Hybrid-electric VTOL Aircraft

Honda To Fly First Full-scale Hybrid eVTOL Prototype in Early 2026

Curt Epstein

Turboprops and rotorcraft saw minor erosion year over year

GAMA: Bizjet Deliveries and Aircraft Billings Soar

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

The sector was a highlight of the Aero Asia show in Zhuhai last week

Data Shows China’s Bizav Market Is Still Growing 

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

The C919 made its Middle East debut at the 2025 Dubai Airshow.

Chinese Comac 919 Airliner Flies at the Dubai Airshow

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

More In Aircraft

China’s Comac Offers Alternative to Western Business Jets

Five different VIP cabin interiors available for derivative of C909 airliner

Honda To Fly First Full-scale Hybrid eVTOL Prototype in Early 2026

Honda Opens Up About Plans for Hybrid-electric VTOL Aircraft

GAMA: Bizjet Deliveries and Aircraft Billings Soar

Turboprops and rotorcraft saw minor erosion year over year

Data Shows China’s Bizav Market Is Still Growing

The sector was a highlight of the Aero Asia show in Zhuhai last week

Chinese Comac 919 Airliner Flies at the Dubai Airshow

The C919 made its Middle East debut at the 2025 Dubai Airshow.

UAE Air Force Dassault Mirage 2000-9 Fighter Flies at Dubai Airshow

The 2000-9 variant represents the most advanced iteration of the Mirage.

Airbus A350-1000 Airliner Flies at the Dubai Airshow

Airbus's largest version of its widebody airliner can carry a maximum of 410 passengers.

Cirrus Next Lets Owners Trade in and Upgrade

Program simplifies move to a new airplane and ensures continuous flying during the process

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN