China's new 7-tonne unmanned cargo drone set for maiden flight

China's first 7-tonne-class large transport drone, Changying-8, is set to make its maiden flight on Tuesday in Zhengzhou, central China's Henan Province.

All pre-flight preparations have been completed.

Developed independently by China North Industries Groups Corporation, the unmanned cargo aircraft measures 17 meters in length with a wingspan of 25 meters. 

It features an ultra-large cargo hold of 18 cubic meters, capable of accommodating multiple types of standard aviation containers as well as specialized cold-chain storage boxes. 

It can complete loading and unloading within 15 minutes, significantly improving logistics turnover efficiency.

The drone boasts a maximum takeoff weight of 7 tonnes, a payload capacity of 3.5 tonnes, and a range exceeding 3,000 kilometers. 

It is capable of high-altitude takeoffs and landings as well as short takeoffs and landings on runways as short as 200 meters, enabling operations in diverse environmental conditions.

In the future, it is expected to support a wide range of applications, such as domestic regional e-commerce logistics, routine supply of living and infrastructure materials in high-altitude and island regions, emergency rescue operations, and flood control and disaster relief efforts.