Tianma 1000 unmanned cargo aircraft completes first flight

China conducted the maiden flight of the Tianma 1000 unmanned transport aircraft on Sunday morning from an airport in Shaanxi province.

The Tianma 1000, developed by Xi’an Aisheng Technology Group, a subsidiary of China North Industries Group Corp (Norinco), is designed to operate in complex environments including plateau regions, coastal areas, and mountainous terrain.

The platform can fly up to 8,000 meters in altitude and has a maximum range of 1,800 km. It supports a payload of up to one tonne, roughly equivalent to a small family car.

A guided optical landing assistance system enables the aircraft to conduct autonomous landings in low-visibility conditions.

Xi’an Aisheng Technology Group, established as part of Norinco’s unmanned systems portfolio, has previously worked on smaller UAV cargo models for both civilian and military applications.

https://twitter.com/sz_mediagroup/status/2010615766207369582

China’s unmanned cargo segment has seen increasing activity, with multiple UAV types under development or in service for logistics and resupply operations.

About the Author

Ricardo Meier

Creator of the website that started in 1996 as a magazine. He also writes on Brazilian websites AUTOO, MOTOO and MetrôCPTM.

Articles by the author »