China’s First 7-ton Fixed-wing Cargo Drone Makes Maiden Flight

ZHENGZHOU, March 31 — China’s first 7-ton class fixed-wing cargo drone, Changying-8, successfully completed its maiden flight at Zhengzhou Shangjie Airport on the morning of March 31, reported China Industry and Information News.

Independently developed by Beijing North Changying UAV Technology Co., Ltd., a company controlled by Northern Company under China North Industries Group Corporation (NORINCO), the drone is China’s first 7-ton class unmanned cargo platform verified by actual aircraft. Hailed as an "air heavy truck", it fills the gap in China’s 7-ton class cargo drone platform and marks a key leap in independent technologies in the field of high-end intelligent air logistics equipment.

It is reported that the Changying-8 is equipped with an 18-cubic-meter large through-type cargo compartment, with a take-off weight of 7 tons and a maximum effective payload of 3.5 tons. It can meet diverse loading needs, including conventional supplies, fresh cold chain and emergency equipment, and has a maximum range of over 3,000 kilometers.

The drone has achieved breakthroughs in efficient transportation, flexible adaptation and global operation. It can be applied in scenarios such as long-distance logistics transportation, emergency rescue delivery, border material supply and operation in complex areas, providing equipment support for the development of the low-altitude economy and the construction of the emergency support system.

The successful maiden flight of Changying-8 not only demonstrates China’s rising strength in independent research and development of high-end intelligent aviation equipment but also injects new vitality into the upgrading of the air logistics industry. 

As a new type of air cargo carrier, it is expected to reshape the pattern of long-distance and remote material transportation, especially in areas with inconvenient ground transportation.