Aircraft
Manta Steps Up Work on Ann6 Hybrid-Electric Aircraft
Latest version of the design was unveiled at the recent China Airshow in Zhuhai
Manta Ann6 hybrid-electric aircraft
Manta unveiled the latest design for its Ann6 hybrid-electric aircraft at the recent China Airshow in Zhuhai. © Manta Aircraft

Manta Aircraft is set to step up work on its newly-unveiled Ann6 hybrid-electric aircraft in 2025. The Europe-based start-up introduced a mock-up of the new six-seat design at the recent China Airshow in Zhuhai as it works towards the start of flight testing a full-scale prototype around mid-2026, with service entry projected by the end of 2028.

In the new year, Manta’s engineering team will focus on finalizing the propulsion system, which features eight ducted electric fan motors with batteries and a turbine that can run on sustainable aviation fuel. Depending on whether the Ann6 operates in VTOL or short takeoff and landing mode, the piloted aircraft is expected to have a range of between 163 nm and 544 nm at a cruise speed of around 130 knots.