First four-engine large drone developed by China makes maiden flight

(ECNS) -- The Twin-Tailed Scorpion D, a four-engine large drone independently developed by China, made its maiden flight on Tuesday and will make its public debut at the upcoming Airshow China 2022, the aircraft's developer announced on Wednesday.

Capable of carrying heavier and larger payloads, the new drone has enhanced transport capability compared with its predecessors in the Twin-Tailed Scorpion series, analysts said.

The drone has a wingspan of 20 meters, a length of 10.5 meters and a height of 3.1 meters. It has a maximum takeoff weight of 4.35 metric tons, a maximum payload weight of 1.5 metric tons and a maximum cargo space of 5 cubic meters, according to its developer Sichuan Tengden Sci-Tech Innovation Co.