China's homegrown large cargo UAV TP1000 completes maiden flight

A large unmanned cargo aircraft, independently developed by Yitong UAV System Co, completed its maiden flight on Saturday at Laixi Dianbu Airport in Qingdao, East China's Shandong Province, with a payload capacity exceeding one ton, marking another significant breakthrough for China in the field of high-end unmanned aviation equipment, Science and Technology Daily reported on Monday.

Following the TP1000's successful maiden flight, the company has expanded its product portfolio to include two primary series: the TP (fixed-wing) and TR (tilt-rotor composite wing) models, as seen on a post from the company's WeChat account.

The TP1000 surpasses its predecessors with a payload capacity of up to 1,000 kilograms and an extended operational range of 1,000 kilometers. Weighing in at 3.3 tons, with a cargo hold volume of up to 7 cubic meters, this new model enhances the company's comprehensive large cargo portfolio, specifically tailored to meet the rapidly growing demand for low-altitude freight transportation.

With a spacious rear cargo hold, the TP1000 supports intelligent airdrops and enables fast loading and unloading of standard cargo pallets. Its design seamlessly integrates with land transportation systems, providing a comprehensive solution for extended logistics operations.

In comparison to traditional air cargo planes, the UAV delivers enhanced flexibility and safety, positioning it as a versatile solution for both commercial and specialized applications. Its innovative design aligns with modern logistics needs, positioning it as a key player in the future of aerial cargo transport.

"Beyond cargo transportation, the TP1000, with excellent flight performance, payload capacity, and cost efficiency, allow for quick modifications to support ocean monitoring, scientific research, resource development, and regional infrastructure projects," said Jin Ge, general manager of Yitong UAV System Co.

The TP1000 has already received 30 orders from companies including ZTO Express and Asian Express Aviation. The aircraft's certification configuration for airworthiness is scheduled to begin test flights by the end of 2025, with expectations to receive the Type Certificate (TC) for the aircraft from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) in 2026, according to the post.

China's low-altitude economy is expected to reach 1.5 trillion yuan ($209.09 billion) by the end of 2025, potentially expanding to 3.5 trillion yuan by 2035, according to the CAAC.