First images of China's 19-seater electric aircraft released
Photos have appeared on the Internet purportedly showing a full-scale experimental prototype of China's CE-25A electric passenger aircraft. Developed by the state corporation COMAC, the aircraft is designed to transport 19 passengers over a distance of 400–500 kilometers. However, the authenticity of the photos has not yet been confirmed.
First photos of China's 19-seater electric aircraft emerge
The new images have heightened interest in a project presented to the public by COMAC — Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China — in 2023. The photos show an aircraft painted in red and black, with a silver stripe running along the fuselage. Its body features the inscriptions COMAC and CE-25A, as well as the tail number B-0EFH.
Presumably, the images were initially published by Han Lu, a Chinese blogger who writes about automotive topics.
It is reported that the photos were analyzed using several artificial intelligence models, and no obvious signs of artificial generation were detected. Nevertheless, this result does not independently confirm the authenticity of the images.
At present, there is no clear public data confirming that the specific aircraft in the photos has taken to the air. It is also unknown what role this particular sample serves within the framework of the project. Therefore, there is no basis to evaluate it as an aircraft that has undergone flight tests or is ready to carry passengers.
COMAC first showcased the CE-25A concept in November 2023 at the China International Import Expo in Shanghai. The company described it as a fully electric aircraft designed for short- and medium-haul passenger transport as well as business aviation.
According to the published project specifications, the aircraft's cruising speed — during the main phase of flight — is expected to be approximately 400 kilometers per hour. The flight range is planned to be between 400 and 500 kilometers. These figures are target specifications set in the project, not yet practically verified results.
The most unusual feature of the CE-25A is its distributed electric propulsion system. Instead of conventional turboprop engines, the design envisions the use of 10 electric fans located inside ducted channels placed on the aircraft's wing.
Such a solution gives engineers more options in generating thrust and adapting the propulsion system to the aircraft's structure. Depending on the arrangement of the units, aerodynamic performance and energy efficiency could be improved in certain flight regimes.
Electric motors also allow for the simplification of certain parts of the propulsion system compared to traditional gas turbine engines. However, such a design requires solving serious engineering challenges.