China's YH-1000S hybrid unmanned cargo aircraft makes maiden flight

The YH-1000S hybrid-powered unmanned transport aircraft, developed by the China Academy of Aerospace Aerodynamics, completed its maiden flight on Sunday in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality.

The aircraft is a new iteration developed to meet global market demand, following the maiden flight of the YH-1000 unmanned transport aircraft in May 2025.

The YH-1000S is equipped with a high-power hybrid propulsion system, which significantly shortens takeoff and landing distance while improving payload capacity and flight range.

The development of the aircraft represents an important innovation in cross-sector integration between the unmanned aviation and the automotive industries. Through deep supply chain sharing and modular production, the program helps substantially reduce drone development and manufacturing costs.

It also targets the emerging low-altitude economy and unmanned logistics sector, helping accelerate the integration of technological and industrial innovation.

Designed in accordance with airworthiness standards, the YH-1000S is a large unmanned transport platform expected to play an important role in international logistics delivery, emergency rescue and disaster relief, weather modification operations, ocean monitoring and maritime supervision.