TechnologyChina’s 16-ton Jiutian military drone completes maiden flight
The Jiutian, a 16-ton Chinese military drone, conducted its first flight on December 11 in Shaanxi province. Developed by AVIC, the unmanned aircraft completed takeoff and landing as scheduled.
The Jiutian is intended for a range of roles, including cargo transport and military operations. Its design supports long-distance flight and multi-mission flexibility in both peacetime and conflict scenarios.
The massive drone measures 16.35 meters in length with a wingspan of 25 meters. It can carry up to six tons of payload and has a stated range of approximately 13,000 kilometers, with endurance for up to 12 hours of continuous flight.
A distinctive feature is its capability to act as a ‘drone carrier,’ deploying over 100 small unmanned aerial vehicles from an internal bay. This configuration expands its potential applications in reconnaissance and strike missions.
Shaanxi Unmanned Technology led the Jiutian’s development with support from the Northwestern Polytechnical University. State-owned Xi’an Chida Aircraft Parts handles manufacturing for the program.
The Jiutian enters a growing segment of large unmanned platforms designed to extend operational reach and autonomy in the Asia-Pacific defense market.
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