China’s first large cargo drone capable of carrying a one-tonne payload, the TP1000, successfully completed its maiden flight on Saturday morning in Qingdao City, east China’s Shandong Province.
The TP1000 marks a significant milestone as the country’s first large unmanned transport aircraft equipped with airdrop capabilities. Developed entirely in line with China’s civil aviation standards for large cargo drones, the TP1000 has a takeoff weight of 3.3 tonnes and can carry up to 1,000 kilograms of cargo.
Compared to its predecessor, the TP500, the new TP1000 boasts increased cargo capacity and an extended range, capable of flying up to 1,000 kilometers when fully loaded. Together, these drones aim to meet the rapidly growing demand for low-altitude cargo transport, forming a complementary product lineup.
“The maiden flight lasted 26 minutes, and the aircraft’s performance was stable throughout. All performance metrics met our expectations,” said Jin Ge, the leader of the TP1000 research and development team. “During the flight, the drone exhibited excellent stability, maneuverability, and power system performance, with all parameters remaining within ideal ranges.”
The TP1000 is also equipped with smart airdrop functionality, enhancing its capabilities in emergency response and disaster relief operations. The drone is expected to enter operational service by 2026, representing a significant advancement in China’s unmanned aerial vehicle technology and its applications in logistics and emergency response.
As the demand for efficient and flexible cargo transport continues to rise, innovations like the TP1000 could play a crucial role in shaping the future of aerial logistics, not just in China but potentially around the world.
