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China’s Tianma-1000 Cargo Drone Completes Maiden Flight, State Media Says

A Norinco affiliate developed the ton-class UAV, which state outlets pitch as a low-cost, long-range transport for logistics in hard-to-reach areas.

Overview

  • Xinhua reports the Tianma-1000 completed its first flight, developed by Xi’an Aisheng Technology Group under China North Industries Group.
  • Officials describe the aircraft as China’s first medium-altitude, low-cost unmanned transport platform.
  • Reported specifications include a 1-ton payload and about 1,800 km range with adaptation for high-altitude terrain and ultra-short takeoff and landing.
  • A modular cargo bay enables rapid switching between cargo transport and airdrop roles for missions such as emergency rescue and remote resupply.
  • Additional features reported include operation from short unpaved strips, autonomous loading in under five minutes, AI-assisted routing, and low-visibility landing aids, with no independent verification or deployment timeline provided.