China's first 1-tonne payload cargo drone completes maiden flight

China's first large cargo drone capable of carrying one tonne of payload, the TP1000, completed its maiden flight on Saturday morning in Qingdao City, east China's Shandong Province.

The innovative aircraft is notable for being the country's first large unmanned transport aircraft equipped with airdrop capabilities.

Developed fully in accordance with China's civil aviation standards for large cargo drones, the TP1000 has a takeoff weight of 3.3 tonnes and a maximum payload capacity of 1,000 kilograms. Compared to its predecessor, the TP500, the new model boasts increased cargo capacity and extended range, with a maximum range of 1,000 kilometers when fully loaded.

Together, these drones will form a complementary product lineup designed to meet the rapidly growing demand for low-altitude cargo transport.

The TP1000 is also equipped with smart airdrop functionality, enhancing its emergency response and disaster relief operation capabilities.

"The maiden flight lasted 26 minutes, and the aircraft's performance was stable throughout. All performance metrics met our expectations. During the flight, the drone exhibited excellent stability, maneuverability and power system performance, with all parameters remaining within ideal ranges," said Jin Ge, the leader of the TP1000 research and development team.

The TP1000 is expected to enter operational service by 2026, representing a significant advancement in China's unmanned aerial vehicle technology and logistics and emergency response applications.