China’s unmanned cargo plane takes off

The HH-100 unmanned cargo aircraft prototype successfully performed its first test flight in Xi’an city, Shaanxi province, northwest China, Interesting Engineering reported on June 14. During the flight, the HH-100 aircraft prototype overcame a distance of 35 km, operated stably and completed all testing requirements.

AVIC XAC Commercial Airplane Company, a subsidiary of Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), independently developed the HH-100. The two main components of the system are the drone and a ground command and control station.

The HH-100 is a low-cost aircraft with high carrying capacity, specialized for transporting goods with the ability to carry about 4 m3 of cargo. The aircraft has a maximum takeoff weight of 2,000 kg, a payload of 700 kg and an operating range of 520 km. The travel speed of this vehicle is 300 km/h and can reach a maximum altitude of 5,000 m.

The HH-100 mainly serves regional air logistics or short-range deliveries. However, potential applications include fighting wildfires, transporting relief supplies, relaying emergency communications, and even modifying the weather. The HH-100 is part of AVIC’s project to provide reliable and affordable commercial unmanned air transport systems targeting the rapidly growing low-altitude economy.

Many companies around the world are investing in unmanned cargo aircraft because they have the potential to boost logistics operations. They provide fast, efficient and environmentally friendly freight transportation solutions. Designed to carry heavy loads over long distances, they avoid the challenges of traditional transport, while also reducing carbon emissions.

In the US, Amazon and Walmart are testing drone delivery services in some areas. Meanwhile in China, the civil drone industry will reach 117.4 billion yuan ($16.2 billion) in 2023, up 32% year-on-year, according to the Information Industry Development Center China.