China's domestically developed large Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) named "Jiutian" completed its maiden flight on Thursday, in Pucheng, northwest China's Shaanxi Province. 

This general-purpose drone, with a length of 16.35 meters and a wingspan of 25 meters, has a maximum takeoff weight of 16 tonnes and can carry a payload of up to 6,000 kilograms.

The UAV can remain airborne for up to 12 hours and has a ferry range of 7,000 kilometers. Designed with a high operational ceiling, a wide speed range and short takeoff and landing performance, the drone is equipped to perform a variety of civilian missions that require heavy payload capacity and high operational flexibility, according to the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), its developer.

Its modular payload system enables a range of roles, including precise delivery of heavy cargo to remote areas, emergency communications and disaster relief, as well as geographic surveying and resource mapping.

(With input from Xinhua)