China’s 7-ton cargo drone Changying-8 completes its maiden flight in Zhengzhou, marking progress in long-range UAV logistics and emergency transport capabilities.
On March 31st, China’s first 7-ton-class fixed-wing cargo drone, the Changying-8, completed its maiden flight at Zhengzhou Shangjie Airport. It is among the largest cargo drones in the world to have successfully conducted a first flight so far, KNCNA reported.
During the test, the aircraft accelerated steadily along the runway and took off after a ground roll of about 280 meters. It then climbed smoothly and completed a series of key system checks. These included flight control, avionics, mechanical and electrical systems, power and fuel systems, as well as overall flight performance. After about 30 minutes in the air, the drone landed precisely and safely.
The Changying-8 features a large cargo hold of 18 cubic meters. It has a maximum takeoff weight of 7 tons and can carry up to 3.5 tons of payload. The aircraft supports a range of cargo types, including general goods, cold-chain products, and emergency supplies. Its maximum range exceeds 3,000 kilometres.
The drone is designed for a wide range of applications. It uses domestically developed turboprop engines and integrates several core technologies, such as high-precision airdrop, low-energy anti-icing, and multi-aircraft control from a single station. These features allow it to operate in long-distance logistics, emergency response, border supply missions, and operations in complex terrain. It is particularly suited for remote regions such as plateaus and islands.
The Changying-8 was developed by a company under China North Industries Group Corporation. The project fills a gap in China’s 7-ton-class cargo drone platform and marks progress in high-end intelligent aviation logistics equipment.
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