In a significant milestone for China's aviation industry, a batch of independently developed large civil unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) rolled off the production line on Monday. Three of these cutting-edge UAVs were delivered to customers, marking the country's first mass production of large-scale civil drones for commercial use.
The UAVs are set to revolutionize various sectors, including agricultural and forestry protection, as well as aerial logistics transportation. Developed by Ursa Aeronautical, the HY100 UAV model stands out with its impressive capabilities. This fixed-wing large UAV boasts a maximum takeoff weight of 5.25 tonnes and can carry a payload of up to 1.9 tonnes. With a maximum range of 1,800 kilometers and an endurance of up to 10.6 hours, the HY100 can maintain stable, long-endurance flight at altitudes as low as 4 meters.
\"For instance, when deployed for pesticide spraying, the HY100, with a wingspan exceeding 18 meters, can cover up to 240,000 mu (approximately 16,000 hectares) in a single day,\" said Yu Yang, general manager of Ursa Aeronautical. This remarkable coverage significantly enhances efficiency in agricultural operations.
Compared to smaller drones, large UAVs like the HY100 offer greater payload capacity, wider operational range, and more flexible flight altitudes. These advantages enable them to complement other low-altitude aircraft and perform tasks that were previously challenging or impossible.
Large UAVs are defined as unmanned aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight exceeding 150 kilograms. Their wide range of applications includes not only agricultural and forestry protection but also logistics transportation, aerial delivery, emergency rescue, and airborne communication relay.
The successful delivery of these homegrown large civil UAVs signifies China's advancing capabilities in UAV technology and its commitment to innovation in the civil aviation sector. As these drones enter service, they are expected to play a pivotal role in boosting efficiency and productivity across various industries.
Reference(s):
China delivers 1st batch of homegrown, mass-produced large civil UAVs
cgtn.com
