The Changying-8 heavy-duty transport drone successfully completed its first demonstration flight in China on March 31, China Central Television reported. The Changying-8 is currently one of the world's largest cargo drones. It was launched at Zhengzhou Airport (capital of Hainan Province).
The Changying-8 took off from 280 meters. It successfully passed all key tests, including intelligent control, electronics and fuel system.
The flight lasted about 30 minutes, after which the drone made a soft landing. The report said that this represents a significant breakthrough for China in the field of 7-ton intelligent unmanned transport platforms.
The Changying-8 has a maximum payload of 3.5 tons. The length of the take-off runway does not exceed 500 meters, and the requirements for a landing site are minimal, making it suitable for use in high mountains, on islands and in areas with complex terrain. This drone can travel up to 3000 km in a single flight.