The Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) has announced that its new large drone model, the HH-100, has entered the flight-test phase and will soon carry out its first flight.
This development marks a significant milestone for China’s aircraft manufacturing industry and its growing presence in the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) market.
As per a report from China Daily, the HH-100 commercial unmanned cargo aircraft successfully concluded its last high-speed autonomous taxiing trial at Beichuan Yongchang Airport in Sichuan province. Throughout the test, the HH-100 prototype showcased its capability to taxi at elevated speeds and raise its nose wheel slightly, confirming the efficacy of the model's autonomous taxiing control system.
The HH-100, developed by AVIC Xi’an Aircraft Industry, boasts impressive capabilities. With a maximum takeoff weight of 2 metric tons, the drone can fly 520 kilometers with a payload of 700 kilograms and even farther with lighter payloads. The twin-engine model has been designed to achieve a maximum cruising speed of 300 km per hour and a ceiling altitude of 5,000 meters.
Dong Jianhong, the Chief Designer of the HH-100, highlighted the drone’s versatility, stating that it can serve a wide range of businesses, including short-range cargo transportation, fire monitoring and suppression, delivery of emergency supplies, and cloud seeding. The drone’s low procurement, operation, and maintenance costs, coupled with its high payload capacity and domestically sourced components, make it an attractive option for various industries.
China’s relaxation of low-altitude airspace control and the continued growth of its online shopping industry have created numerous opportunities for the development of drones. Many of China’s large couriers, such as China Post and SF Express, as well as online retailer JD, have been investing in delivery drones for years, aiming to leverage the country’s expertise in drone systems to build efficient and cost-effective fleets.
The global trend of utilizing drones for delivery services is evident, with companies like Amazon and DHL Express also developing and testing drones for trial runs. As the technology continues to advance, it is expected that more businesses will adopt drone-based solutions to enhance their logistics operations and meet the growing demands of time-sensitive consumers.
The HH-100’s entry into the flight-test phase signifies China’s commitment to advancing its UAV technology and its potential to become a major player in the global drone market. The success of this project could pave the way for further innovations in the field and contribute to the transformation of various industries in the region and beyond.
