China’s Shenyang Aviation Industries Group is investing in European hybrid-electric aircraft developer Manta under a partnership to jointly produce the six-seat Ann Plus model. The exact terms of the investment were not specified in the companies’ joint announcement on October 28, but Manta co-founder and COO Michael Mesaric indicated to AIN that the funding is sufficient to achieve type certification.
Shenyang Aviation is a subsidiary of the state-backed Aviation Industries of China group. It has been involved in multiple Chinese military aircraft programs and has also contributed to civil airliner programs like the ARJ21, as well as general aviation models such as a Chinese derivative of the Russian Yak-12 utility aircraft.
In late 2007, Textron announced plans for Shenyang Aviation to produce the Cessna 162 light sport aircraft for the China market. However, production ended in January 2014 after 192 of this model had been sold.
At an event held in Shenyang in northern China on October 26, the companies unveiled a full-scale mock-up of the Ann 2 Plus. This aircraft will be exhibited at the China Airshow in Zhuhai from November 12 to 17.
Manta and Shenyang Aviation said they will conduct joint research and development activity, and produce a pair of full-scale prototypes to be used for type certification through the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).
According to Manta, the Ann Plus will have a range of up to 1,000 kilometers (544 nm) when operating from a “semi-prepared” landing strip of around 886 feet in length. Operating in VTOL mode, range would be limited to around 163 nm.
Manta is also working on plans for a two-seat Ann 2 version of the design, which features a fixed wing and canard. It said the scalable design will be attractive for multiple missions, including passenger transportation and various logistics and public service applications.
Marketing VTOL/STOL Aircraft in China and Asia
The agreement with Shenyang Aviation includes marketing rights, as well as maintenance, repair, and overhaul services, for China and South Asian countries. The partners said they are being supported by Baoding Kaiborui Technology Co., but it is not clear what role that company will play.
According to Mesaric, it could take between a year and 18 months from when the full-scale prototypes are built to when they achieve type certification, which Manta is targeting for 2027. He said discussions with the CAAC have begun and that the type certification process in China is expected to be quicker than in Europe.
In October 2023, China's EHang became the first eVTOL manufacturer in the world to achieve type certification when its autonomous EH216-S two-seater was approved by the CAAC. Other Chinese advanced air mobility pioneers include AutoFlight, Aerofugia, Xpeng HT Aero, and Volant.
The Ann family’s hybrid-electric propulsion system consists of commercially available turbogenerators and batteries. Manta said the electric motors will be developed for the aircraft, without specifying whether this will be done with Shenyang Aviation or by some other supplier or partner. Manta is in contact with avionics suppliers to discuss options for the Ann’s flight deck.
Mesaric said Shenyang Aviation’s involvement will give the program access to a strong and compact supply chain. Manta wants to source components locally to avoid supply chain difficulties that have hindered the aerospace sector in recent years.
In May, Manta—which is based at Sesto Calende in northern Italy—announced a partnership with IT engineering group Altair. The U.S. company will assist Manta’s team in areas such as digital engineering, artificial intelligence, and the use of digital twin technology.