Duofu Aviation Duofu Electric Helicopter (concept design)

(Image credit: Duofu Aviation)

Duofu Electric Helicopter (concept design)
Duofu Aviation
Lingang Harbor, Shanghai, China
www.duofu-aviation.com

The information provided here is as accurate as possible; however, eVTOL information from China is sometimes sparse, incomplete or conflicting. China is promoting what they call the "low-altitude economy" — a new push for general aviation — which includes both crewed and uncrewed passenger and air cargo eVTOL aircraft.

Founded in 2021, Duofu Industry Aviation Group, Co., Ltd. (Duofu Aviation) is a company that designs and manufactures light helicopters, general aviation fixed-wing aircraft, offers aviation training, has general aviation operations, flight services, support and airport construction management. The company's website shows they are in the process of developing an electric helicopter, a small eVTOL gyrocopter, a tilt-wing eVTOL aircraft and drones. According to their website as of September 2025, the company has over 300 employees with over 100 research and development staff.

Duofu Electric Helicopter (concept design)
The Duofu Electric helicopter is a two passenger light helicopter concept design rotorcraft. The helicopter holds one pilot, one passenger and their luggage. The aircraft will have modern design and will be used for short-haul flights for either sightseeing, private use or commercial use. From reading the company's website, it is likely they have not revealed the actual name of their proposed electric helicopter.

The estimated cruise speed is in the range of 128-160 km/h (80-120 mph). The possible payload for the helicopter is 272 kg (600 lb). The helicopter has one main rotorblade, one tail rotor, has two electric motors (or possibly more) and is powered by batteries. The helicopter has a bubble type helicopter windshield with floor windows below the feet of the pilot and passenger. The fuselage is made from carbon fiber composite to give the aircraft a high strength to low weight ratio. The helicopter has been designed with retractable tricycle wheeled landing gear. In the unlikely event of a power failure, the helicopter pilot can autorotate the helicopter to the ground and land safely.

The company has not revealed any estimated time or date when the concept design, prototypes or production models will be revealed to the public.

It is important to remember that all concept design aircraft specifications are estimated and can or will change as prototypes and production models are made, tested and flown with real world avionics, components and payloads.

Specifications:

• Aircraft type: Passenger electric helicopter concept design
• Piloting: 1 pilot
• Capacity: 1 passenger and luggage
• Cruise speed (estimated): 128-160 km/h (80-120 mph)
• Maximum payload weight (estimated): 272 kg (600 lb)
• Main rotorblade: 1 main rotorblade
• Tail rotor: 1 tail rotor
• Electric motors: 2 electric motors
• Power source: Batteries
• Fuselage: Carbon fiber composite
• Windows: Bubble type helicopter windshield
• Landing gear: Retractable tricycle wheeled landing gear
• Safety features: In the unlikely event of a power failure, the helicopter pilot can autorotate the helicopter to the ground and land safely.

Related Aircraft:

• Duofu Aviation Duofu Gyrocopter eVTOL (concept design)
• Duofu Aviation Duofu Tilt-Propeller eVTOL (concept design)

Company Insights:

• Airframer
• Crunchbase
• Pitchbook

Resources:

• Duofu Aviation website
• Article: Behind the deal: China buys Italian-made helicopters, Decode 39, June 30, 2022
• Article: Duofu Group acquires 100% equity in leading Italian helicopter manufacturer - highlighting its aspirations in the aviation industry, China Daily, July 1, 2022
• Article: Duofu Aviation signs contracts for 155 helicopters at Airshow China, China.org.cn, Nov. 13, 2022