Shenyang Aviation Industries Group is investing heavily in European hybrid-electric aircraft developer Manta. This historic collaboration, announced on October 28, aims to jointly produce the Ann Plus, an innovative 6-seater device. Michael Mesaric, co-founder and COO of Manta, confirms that this investment will achieve type certification.

A leading Chinese actor

A subsidiary of the state-owned Aviation Industries of China group, Shenyang Aviation has considerable expertise in the aeronautics sector. His impressive career includes:

• Participation in numerous Chinese military aviation programs
• Contribution to civil aircraft programs like the ARJ21
• The development of general aviation aircraft

The Ann Plus: a remarkable technical innovation

The full-size prototype of the Ann 2 Plus, unveiled on October 26 in Shenyang, will be presented at the Zhuhai air show. The technical characteristics of the Ann Plus are particularly promising :

• A range of up to 1,000 kilometers in conventional mode
• The ability to operate from 270 meter semi-prepared runways
• A range of 300 kilometers in VTOL mode

An accelerated certification process

The two partners engage in a joint research and development program. Two full-scale prototypes will be produced to obtain certification from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). Michael Mesaric estimates that the certification process could be completed in 12 to 18 months after the prototypes are built, with a target of 2027.

Innovative hybrid-electric technology

The Ann Plus incorporates an advanced hybrid-electric propulsion system including:

• Commercially available turbogenerators
• Latest generation batteries
• Specially developed electric motors

A local sourcing strategy

Shenyang Aviation’s participation provides the program with access to a robust and compact supply chain. This local approach aims to avoid the supply difficulties that have recently affected the aerospace sector. At the same time, Manta is strengthening its technological expertise thanks to a partnership with the IT engineering group Altair, announced last May.

This strategic alliance between Manta and Shenyang Aviation marks a decisive step in the development of hybrid-electric aviation, positioning both companies at the forefront of the sustainable aviation revolution.