A New Word in Aviation – Multi-Purpose ANN-6
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A New Word in Aviation – Multi-Purpose ANN-6

New passenger aircraft with a hybrid propulsion system, an inclined fan and a turbine, it is claimed, opens up completely new horizons in the field of air transport. The presented innovation, called ANN Plus, is technically identified as a hybrid-electric aircraft with vertical and short take-off and landing (HeV/STOL).


Oddly enough, the developer of this electric plane was an Italian company, not a Chinese startup, as one might expect. However, Lombardy-based Manta Aircraft (that is the name of the Italian manufacturer) does have a connection with China.

Italian roots


The fact is that, apparently with some far-reaching plans, the company has teamed up with Shenyang Aviation Industries Group (China). This is expected to allow them to accelerate the development of a multi-role ANN platform and offer it as a regional air mobility solution for the Chinese and South Asian markets.

A New Word in Aviation – Multi-Purpose ANN-6ANN Plus was first unveiled at China Airshow 2024. Photo: mantaaircraft.com

It’s no surprise, then, that Manta debuted its latest member of the ANN family at China Airshow 2024. The new ANN Plus, also called the ANN-6, follows the smaller two-seater ANN1 and ANN2. It’s a full-scale model of a multi-role aircraft designed to accommodate five (or six) passengers with a single pilot. It’s designed for personal use, business, medical care, and cargo.

"Right off the bat"


When developing the ANN-6, the company pursued the main goal of being able to most effectively combine the advantages of several categories of modern aircraft at once. Hence such an unusual configuration – HeV/STOL.

ANN Plus runway not needed. Photo: mantaaircraft.com

So, from eVTOL, for example, the new product received the ability to take off from almost anywhere. It does not need a runway in the literal sense of the word. This aircraft rises into the air using four inclined ducted fans mounted on the wing, in combination with four fixed ducted fans that are built into the fuselage. Then, during the flight, the wing fans change position and provide the full thrust vector.

No noise and dust


ANN Plus, as we have already said, has at its disposal a hybrid power plant, which uses a battery as the main power source. Operating on pure electricity, during short-distance flights, it provides this air transport a range of 186 miles (about 300 km). And all this with zero emissions, as they say, “no noise, no dust” - which is a very relevant advantage when organizing population mobility in densely populated urban centers.

That is, ANN can, like a regular eVTOL, provide fast traffic, bypassing traffic jams, from one end of the city to the other. At the same time, as the developer claims, owning and operating ANN-6 will cost much less than a regular one. by helicopter.

The ANN Plus cabin is very comfortable. Photo: mantaaircraft.com

For long-haul intercity and regional flights, ANN also uses electric fans, but connects to a turbo generator to recharge the batteries. As a result, Manta estimates a total range of 620 miles (about 1000 km) for its six-seater model. The vehicle can stay in the air for a total of four hours. With this in mind, smaller vessels on this platform could probably cover even greater distances.

In terms of speed, the ANN Plus is expected to be capable of cruising at 130 knots (approximately 240 km/h) and bursting at 178 knots (approximately 330 km/h).

These capabilities significantly expand the ANN Plus's prospects compared to fully electric aircraft, while its short takeoff/landing capability increases its operational versatility.

For every taste


As for the turbo generator, the current plan is to use sustainable aviation fuel or Bio-Jet A1 to power it. However, the ANN platform is being developed with an eye toward future upgrades. With the battery technology likely to reach a new level, the electric range could increase to 620 miles (over 1000 km). The option of using a hydrogen-fueled engine is also envisaged.

Inside and outside


The six-seater model is presented as a full-scale functional prototype. Its dimensions are as follows:

✅ length - 12,2 m
✅ wingspan - 12,1 m

For comparison: the previous passenger version ANN 2 has a length of 8,7 meters and a wingspan of 6,8 meters. The new model is also much taller - 2,7 meters versus 1,7 meters, so it is spacious inside. The seats in the cabin are also located at an optimal distance from each other. The fuselage of the ANN Plus is made of carbon fiber, which makes it lightweight.

There is a version of ANN Plus for six passengers. Photo: mantaaircraft.com

Otherwise, the Plus' design is very similar to the ANN 2. It also features differentially moving canards, a pair of ducted fans built into the fuselage in front of and behind the cockpit, and a split-V tail fin.

During the demonstration of the new product at the China Airshow, visitors were given the opportunity to evaluate the interior of the new hybrid airliner. The ANN Plus interior includes two front seats and four (or five, depending on the configuration) seats located in the back. The trim uses premium materials such as Nappa leather and Alcantara. The airliner is controlled manually, while the pilot also has access to a backup automatic control system.

Prospects


The company plans to build the next two full-scale prototypes and have the ANN Plus aircraft certified by the Civil Aviation Administration of China. Of course, all this will be done in close cooperation with Shenyang Aviation Industries. If successful, which Manta has no doubt about, serial production of the multifunctional model will be launched.

The ANN Plus has a range of 1000 km. Photo: mantaaircraft.com

The main emphasis is on the hybrid's operational flexibility. It can easily be transformed from a passenger plane into a cargo plane, and it can be used where there is no airport or equipped runways, including in very remote areas. Plus, this aircraft is a cheaper alternative to helicopters and other multi-purpose compact aircraft. So demand is guaranteed. All that remains is to find out the price.
How do you like the hybrid ANN Plus?
  • Lilu
  • mantaaircraft.com
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