Chinese hybrid unmanned cargo aircraft completes first flight

BEIJING (Web Desk) - A domestically developed hybrid-powered unmanned cargo aircraft has successfully completed its first flight in southwest China, marking a new step in the country’s unmanned aviation capabilities.

China’s Xinhua news agency reported on Tuesday that the YH-1000S, a hybrid cargo aircraft, carried out its first flight in Chongqing municipality.

The aircraft was developed by the Chinese Academy of Aerospace Aerodynamics, which said it is the world’s first cargo drone equipped with a high-performance hybrid power system, jointly developed with a new-energy vehicle manufacturer.

Compared with its predecessor, the YH-1000, which made its debut flight in May last year, the YH-1000S features shorter takeoff and landing distances, greater payload capacity and an extended flight range, according to the academy.

The developer said the aircraft was designed to meet the needs of the global market and can be deployed for a range of civilian applications, including international logistics and delivery services, emergency rescue and disaster response, weather modification, maritime monitoring and coastal surveillance.