China successfully tests Tianma-1000 drone carrying one tonne of cargo

China’s domestically developed "Tianma-1000" unmanned transport aircraft, capable of carrying up to one tonne of cargo, completed its first flight on January 11.

Built by Xi’an ASN Technology Group Co., Ltd. under China North Industries Group Corporation, the "Tianma-1000" combines logistics transport, emergency response, and material delivery into a single versatile platform, Caliber.Az reports via Chinese media.

It is China’s first drone capable of operating in high-altitude, complex terrain, performing ultra-short takeoffs and landings, and rapidly switching between cargo transport and airdrop modes, according to its developer.

The aircraft has a maximum range of 1,800 km, allowing it to establish rapid “air express” delivery routes. Equipped with intelligent route planning and obstacle avoidance, it autonomously detects and navigates around obstacles such as mountains and buildings, enabling safe flight in unfamiliar airspace.

Its modular cargo cabin allows quick reconfiguration for various missions, increasing adaptability for different operational needs.

With a service ceiling of 8,000 meters and takeoff/landing distances under 200 meters, the aircraft can operate on unprepared surfaces, including grasslands and compacted dirt roads.

An autonomous loading and unloading system handles cargo up to one tonne in five minutes, fully automating processes from planning to execution.

A high-precision optical guidance landing system ensures safe autonomous landings in low-visibility conditions, supporting operations in challenging environments.

By Jeyhun Aghazada