Yifei Aviation Technology

Yifei Aviation Technology, formally known as EFY Intelligent Control (Tianjin) Technology Co., LTD, is a key player in China's burgeoning low-altitude economy, specializing in advanced unmanned aerial systems. Founded in July 2015 by Qi Juntong, the company leverages core technology development that began as early as 2004. Juntong's extensive background as a professor and doctoral supervisor at Tianjin University's Robotics and Autonomous Systems Research Institute, and formerly as the youngest doctoral supervisor at the Shenyang Institute of Automation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, provides a deep academic and research-driven foundation for the company's operations.

The company's primary business involves the research, development, and manufacturing of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flight control systems, conceived as the "brains" for drones. This focus has positioned Yifei as a crucial supplier for various commercial and industrial applications, including agricultural plant protection, low-altitude logistics, police surveillance, and aerial surveying. The business model is centered on providing comprehensive control system solutions and complete UAV platforms to enterprises, government agencies, and other organizations that require sophisticated aerial capabilities.

A significant milestone for the company is the development of the ES1000, a large-scale unmanned transport aircraft. This aircraft features a hybrid-electric drive, a maximum payload of 1.8 tons, a range of 1,200 kilometers, and ultra-short takeoff and landing (USTOL) capabilities, enabling operations from unconventional airstrips. The strategic importance of the ES1000 is underscored by major orders, including a purchase of 100 units by logistics giant SF Express and 50 units by Nankang UAV company, signaling strong market confidence. These partnerships aim to revolutionize regional aviation logistics, particularly in serving remote or hard-to-access areas. The company has successfully secured multiple rounds of funding, including an A-round of nearly 100 million RMB led by AVIC, and a more recent financing round of hundreds of millions of yuan led by Puhua Capital, which will support the ES1000's ongoing R&D and certification.

Keywords: unmanned aerial vehicles, UAV flight control systems, low-altitude economy, cargo drones, aerial logistics, unmanned transport aircraft, drone technology, hybrid-electric propulsion, USTOL aircraft, Qi Juntong, SF Express, ES1000, agricultural drones, commercial drones, aviation technology, drone control systems, autonomous systems, aerial surveillance, drone manufacturing, intelligent control systems