THE domestically developed “Jiutian” large Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) successfully completed its first flight Thursday in Pucheng, Northwest China’s Shaanxi Province.

Measuring 16.35 meters in length with a wingspan of 25 meters, the general-purpose drone has a maximum takeoff weight of 16 tons and can carry a payload of up to 6,000 kilograms. It is capable of staying airborne for 12 hours with a ferry range of 7,000 kilometers.

Developed by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), the UAV features a high operational ceiling, a wide speed range, and short-distance takeoff and landing performance, enabling it to undertake diverse missions requiring heavy payload capacity and high flexibility.

Its modular payload system allows it to perform roles such as precise delivery of heavy cargo to remote areas, emergency communications, disaster relief, geographic surveying, and resource mapping.

The Jiutian UAV, designed for both civilian and military applications, excels in reconnaissance, surveillance, disaster response, and high-risk operations, reducing human intervention while improving mission efficiency. It was first publicly displayed at the 15th Airshow China in Zhuhai in November, 2024.(SD News)