China's aviation industry has reached a significant milestone with the upcoming maiden flight of the HH-100 cargo drone, developed by Xi'an Aircraft Industry, a subsidiary of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC).
The HH-100 successfully completed its final high-speed taxi test on April 3, where it performed a critical \"rotation\" maneuver, lifting its nose wheel at takeoff speed. Demonstrating stable performance and precise autonomous taxiing control, the drone is now officially cleared for its first flight.
This innovative drone system integrates a UAV with a dedicated ground station, offering several key advantages such as affordability, high cargo capacity, and the use of entirely domestically sourced components. The HH-100 boasts impressive specifications, including a maximum takeoff weight of 2,000 kilograms and the ability to carry a payload of 700 kilograms over distances up to 520 kilometers at cruising speeds of 300 km per hour. Operating at altitudes of up to 5,000 meters, it is suited for a wide range of applications.
Potential uses for the HH-100 include feeder logistics, fire suppression in forests and grasslands, fire monitoring, transportation and delivery of emergency supplies, communication relay, and even artificial rain enhancement. These capabilities make the HH-100 a versatile asset for various industries and emergency response scenarios.
AVIC employs a collaborative development model, partnering with internal units and private enterprises to produce essential components for the HH-100, highlighting the company's commitment to innovation and efficiency in the aerospace sector.
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China's homegrown HH-100 cargo drone ready for maiden flight
cgtn.com