China tests largest payload cargo drone

China has achieved a significant milestone in aviation with the test flight of the unmanned SA750U drone, which boasts the largest payload capacity ever for a civilian drone at 3.2 metric tons.

Developed by a company from Hunan province, the SA750U completed a 40-minute test flight on Thursday. This drone is capable of operating at altitudes of up to 7,300 meters (24,000 feet) and has a range of 2,200 kilometers (1,367 miles), Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

As China eases airspace restrictions and introduces incentives to foster a low-altitude economy, manufacturers are accelerating their drone testing. The country aims to expand this sector into a 2-trillion-yuan ($280 billion) industry by 2030, a four-fold increase from 2023.

The SA750U's test follows closely behind another successful trial by a Sichuan-based company, which earlier this month tested a drone with a 2-ton payload capacity. Two months ago, Aviation Industry Corp of China tested a drone with a 700-kilogram capacity.

Cargo drones are expected to reduce delivery times and transportation costs, and they can operate from locations without traditional aviation infrastructure, such as rooftops in densely populated areas. Commercial drone deliveries have already begun in China, with SF Express starting fruit deliveries from Hainan to Guangdong in May.

The Chinese government has recognized the low-altitude economy as a new growth sector, with vertical mobility being seen as a key development in passenger and cargo transport.