Chinese drone manufacturer prepares for mass production

A Chinese drone manufacturer is gearing up to mass-produce a compact and fast six-ton aircraft designed for the burgeoning "low-altitude economy," which is expected to see significant growth by 2030 due to increased demand for aerial taxis and merchandise delivery services.

United Aircraft, based in Shenzhen, announced on November 13 that it had secured orders worth 1 billion yuan (approximately US$138 million) for its Lanying R6000 aircraft, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

The R6000 features tilt-rotors that allow for vertical take-offs and landings, similar to a helicopter, and can operate in tight spaces, such as on rooftops. With a design resembling a small airplane, the R6000 is capable of reaching speeds of up to 550 km/h (342 mph) and can travel distances of up to 4,000 km (2,485 miles).

Production of the drone is set to begin early next year in Chengdu, according to Hongxing News. The company reported that the billion-yuan order consists of ten buyers from various countries.

The R6000 was unveiled at a mid-November event, which United Aircraft described as a significant opportunity for China to showcase its technological advancements to the global market. Historically, China has sourced aircraft and parts from international partners, including Russia and the United States.

China has set its sights on developing the "low-altitude economy," a sector encompassing both manned and unmanned operations up to 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) above the ground. Currently valued at 500 billion yuan, this sector is projected to reach a value of 2 trillion yuan by 2030, according to reports from state news agency Xinhua in July. Despite lacking the necessary infrastructure, with an estimated need for an additional 1 million skilled workers, the sector has shown rapid growth, with 1.27 million drones registered in China by the end of 2023—an increase of 32.2 percent from the previous year, as reported by the Civil Aviation Administration of China.

By Vafa Guliyeva