China recently completed a key test of its large cargo drone, dubbed the “pickup truck of the sky,” built for logistical, emergency, and military support operations.
China revealed on January 19 that it had successfully completed the “full-load taxiing test” of the large CH-YH1000 cargo drone at Zhanghe Airport in Jingmen, located in Central China’s Hubei Province.
The taxiing test was conducted to assess the drone’s vital systems, such as propulsion, brakes, and low-speed maneuverability, all while carrying a full load.
The massive CH-YH1000 drone showcased stability, smooth speed transitions, and operational reliability and paved the way for its upcoming inaugural flight. Following this achievement, the development team revealed plans to fine-tune the aircraft before its first official takeoff.
The CH-YH1000 unmanned transport aircraft features a classic transport aircraft design with two engines and a high-wing configuration. It is equipped with an upward-flipping nose door to facilitate easy and efficient cargo loading.
Additionally, the aircraft includes a belly hatch that allows for specialized operations such as emergency airdrops, pesticide spraying, or firefighting.
The development of the colossal CH-YH1000 drone began in March 2024, with the first prototype being unveiled at the Zhuhai Airshow in November. Its successful taxiing test now highlights the rapid advancements in its development.
Speaking to state-owned Global Times, Huang Wei from Aerospace CH UAV Co Ltd explained, “Unlike the taxiing and flight tests of manned aircraft, which rely on test pilots, comparable tests of the CH-YH1000 unmanned transport aircraft rely on autonomous program control. The operator only needs to upload relevant instructions to the drone, which can interpret the route information and taxiing runway information by itself and make corresponding actions according to the actual situation.”
Consequently, the taxiing test for the drone imposed stringent requirements on the reliability of its control systems and associated equipment.
The manufacturer also revealed that the unmanned transport aircraft is equipped with robust defense mechanisms against hacker attacks, including the implementation of a secure, dedicated radio communication network.
Additionally, the CH-YH1000 drone utilizes advanced sensors for autonomous flight to operate effectively day and night.
With a substantial transport capacity of 1,000 kilograms (a tonne), this unmanned aircraft can take advantage of nighttime hours, when civil aviation activity is minimal, to carry out high-density air transport operations.
The Need For A Modern Logistics Drone
Drones have emerged as a cornerstone of modern military operations, evolving beyond traditional roles such as surveillance and strike missions to now encompass logistical support.
China’s CH-YH1000 unmanned transport aircraft, recently tested, exemplifies this shift, offering capabilities that could complement traditional transport aircraft.
With a payload capacity of one tonne, the CH-YH1000 provides substantial benefits for its users. It can deliver vital supplies, including ammunition, medical equipment, rations, and repair parts, directly to frontline units or remote bases, ensuring swift and efficient resupply in critical situations.
Compared to conventional helicopters or transport planes, drones like the CH-YH1000 offer a cost-effective alternative without compromising mission effectiveness. This efficiency is particularly valuable in high-intensity or resource-constrained operations.
Chinese state media emphasized the broader potential of the CH-YH1000, noting its ability to address logistical challenges, support emergency rescue efforts, and bolster military supply chains.
Beyond its immediate applications, the drone is set to advance China’s unmanned transport aircraft sector and inject new vitality into these industries.
Vijainder K Thakur, a former Indian Air Force pilot, commented on the development, noting that in February 2024, Russia conducted a flight test of a similar logistics drone with a 1-ton payload capacity, the Partizan.
Based on the An-2 light commuter aircraft, the Partizan has a payload capacity of 1 tonne and a range of 1,000 Kilometers and can land on unprepared 50m x 50m fields.
Thakur also contrasted this development with India’s current situation, noting that India is still searching for a replacement for the An-32 aircraft, which is vital for maintaining troop presence along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
While companies like Lockheed and Airbus are eager to capitalize on this demand, Thakur pointed out, “The Indian Army, which cannot think big in view of the dismal state of our aviation manufacturing industry, is looking for a logistics drone with 20 kgs of payload capability.”
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