China’s heavy UAV can lift 6 tons. Details about this craft and its trials have emerged.
The Chinese heavy drone “Jiu Tian” completed its initial successful flight in Shaanxi province. According to AVIC corporation data, the craft’s wingspan is 25 meters, with a length of 16.35 meters. Its maximum takeoff weight reaches 16 tons, and its payload is 6 tons. The drone can remain aloft for up to 12 hours and traverse up to 7 thousand km, reports the Xinhua agency.
The unmanned aerial vehicle can transport cargo to remote areas, restore communications, and assist in disaster relief efforts. Furthermore, it can be utilized for aerial surveying, resource exploration, and situation monitoring.
“Jiu Tian” was first displayed at the Airshow China 2024 in Zhuhai. The apparatus is regarded as the world’s largest heavy-class high-altitude drone. It was engineered to enhance the efficiency of group drone operations. On eight suspension points, the drone can carry guided bombs, air-to-air missiles, and anti-ship missiles, as well as attack drones. Inside the fuselage, over a hundred small drones can be housed for suppressing air defense systems.
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