China has showcased its largest unmanned cargo aircraft to date, designed for civilian use, as it accelerates test flights of autonomous aerial vehicles. The drone, developed by Sichuan Tengden Sci-tech Innovation Co., boasts a 2-ton payload capacity and took off for its inaugural 20-minute flight in Sichuan province.
The country’s push to develop a low-altitude economy, with projections estimating the industry could reach 2 trillion yuan ($279 billion) by 2030, is driving innovation in drone technology. The Tengden drone features a wingspan of 16.1 meters (52.8 feet) and a height of 4.6 meters (15 feet), surpassing the size of the popular Cessna 172.
China’s aviation regulator has noted significant developments in the sector, including the recent flight of AVIC’s HH-100 cargo drone, which has a 700 kg (1,543 pounds) payload and a 520 km flight range. Next year, AVIC plans to test the TP2000, capable of carrying up to 2 tons of cargo and flying four times farther than the HH-100.
Commercial drone deliveries are already underway, with firms like Phoenix Wings using drones for transporting fresh fruit between Hainan and Guangdong. The potential of cargo drones to reduce delivery times and costs while reaching areas without conventional aviation infrastructure is significant.
In addition to cargo, passenger-carrying drones are on the horizon. EHang Holdings recently received a production certificate for its autonomous passenger drone, marking a milestone for China’s low-altitude aviation sector.
The government views this low-altitude economy as a critical growth area, with plans for expanding vertical mobility and other related services. For instance, Shanghai NewSky Heli Co. is set to launch a commercial passenger helicopter service from Kunshun to Shanghai Pudong Airport, cutting travel time significantly.
