China Successfully Test-Flies Largest Cargo Drone, Paving the Way for Low-Altitude Economy

China has successfully completed the inaugural flight of its largest unmanned cargo drone, a significant milestone in the nation’s ambitious plans to expand its low-altitude economy. The drone, developed by Sichuan Tengden Sci-tech Innovation Co., is designed for civilian use and boasts an impressive payload capacity of 2 metric tons. The twin-engine aircraft took off on Sunday in Sichuan province, completing a 20-minute flight that showcases China’s growing capabilities in autonomous aerial vehicle (UAV) technology.

With a wingspan of 16.1 meters (52.8 feet) and a height of 4.6 meters (15 feet), the cargo drone is slightly larger than the popular Cessna 172 light aircraft. It represents a major leap forward for China’s civilian drone makers, who are increasingly testing larger payloads in response to the government’s push to develop a robust low-altitude economy. According to state media, the Chinese aviation regulator envisions a 2-trillion-yuan ($279-billion) industry by 2030, a four-fold increase from 2023.

This test flight follows the successful maiden flight in June of the HH-100, a cargo drone with a payload capacity of 700 kilograms (1,543 pounds) developed by Aviation Industry Corp of China (AVIC). Next year, AVIC plans to test its largest cargo drone yet, the TP2000, which will be capable of carrying up to 2 tons of cargo over a distance of 2,000 kilometers (1,243 miles).

The Chinese government has identified the low-altitude economy as a new growth engine, recognizing vertical mobility as a “new productive force” in areas such as passenger transport and cargo deliveries. In line with this vision, aviation authorities in April issued a production certificate to UAV maker EHang Holdings for its passenger-carrying drone, marking China’s first such certification for an autonomous passenger drone.