A prototype of the Yitong UAV System TP1000 cargo drone took off and then landed at Laixi Dianbu Airport in Qingdao, Shandong, on 15 March, spending 26 minutes in the air to check the model’s flight stability, maneuverability and power systems, according to China Daily. “The test results were satisfactory, testifying to the reliability of designs, the company said in a news release.”
“The TP1000 measures nearly 11 meters long with a wingspan of about 15 meters. It has a takeoff weight of 3.3 metric tons, a payload capacity of 1 ton, a maximum range of 1,000 kilometers when fully loaded and a 7-cubic-meter cargo bay. The pilotless plane features a modular configuration, long flight range, large carrying capacity and low operational costs, according to the company.
“Yitong UAV System, a private drone maker in Yantai, Shandong, aims to obtain an airworthiness certification for the TP1000 later this year, with commercial operations expected to begin in 2026 after regulatory approval, it said.
“Yitong added that 30 TP1000s have been ordered. Buyers include delivery company ZTO Express and general-aviation firm Jiangsu Yajie Aviation Development Group.
For more information
https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202503/18/WS67d8c787a310c240449db5cc.html
(Image: Yi-Tong UAV System Co Ltd/Handout via Xinhua)