China Advances Low-Altitude Economy with Milestone Drone and Helicopter Tests

China marked significant progress in its low-altitude economy over the weekend, as engineers conducted a test flight of the country’s largest cargo drone to date while a helicopter taxi completed a trial run on a soon-to-be-launched 100-km route to Shanghai.

The twin-engine cargo drone, capable of carrying a payload of 2 metric tons, embarked on its maiden flight on Sunday in Sichuan province. The aircraft, developed by Sichuan Tengden Sci-tech Innovation Co., flew for approximately 20 minutes, showcasing China’s growing capabilities in civilian drone technology.

The drone from Tengden, with a wingspan of 16.1 meters and a height of 4.6 meters, is slightly larger than the popular Cessna 172, a four-seat light aircraft. This test follows the inaugural flight in June of a cargo drone developed by the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC). AVIC’s HH-100, which can carry 700 kilograms over a range of 520 km, was a precursor to the upcoming TP2000, a drone set for testing next year that will be capable of transporting up to 2 tons over much greater distances.

As the Chinese government continues to promote the development of a low-altitude economy, drone manufacturers are focusing on increasing payload capacities. The country’s aviation regulator anticipates a $279 billion industry by 2030, representing a four-fold expansion from 2023.

China has already started using drones for commercial deliveries. In May, Phoenix Wings, a subsidiary of delivery giant SF Express, began using its Fengzhou-90 drones to transport fresh fruit from Hainan Island to Guangdong province. These drones, developed by SF Express’s parent company, S.F. Holding, represent the growing trend towards faster and more cost-effective delivery methods in the country.

Industry experts in China highlight that cargo drones not only reduce delivery times and transportation costs but also extend access to areas lacking traditional aviation infrastructure, such as densely built urban rooftops. Furthermore, these drones have the potential to serve as aerial taxis, opening up new possibilities for passenger transport.

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