Chinese Drone Milestone: Unmanned SA750U Completes Test Flight

Chinese aviation has achieved a significant milestone with the test flight of the unmanned SA750U drone, capable of carrying 3.2 metric tons of cargo. This advance is part of China's broader effort to promote a low-altitude economy, which is anticipated to become a $280 billion industry by 2030.

Chinese aviation reached a new milestone with a successful test flight of the unmanned civilian drone, SA750U, which can carry up to 3.2 metric tons of cargo. The test took place on Thursday morning and was reported by the official Hunan Daily on Friday. The drone can fly as high as 7,300 meters and has a range of up to 2,200 kilometers.

This development comes as China eases airspace restrictions and offers incentives to foster a low-altitude economy, projected to become a 2-trillion-yuan ($280 billion) industry by 2030. Recent months have seen increased activity in the sector, including test flights by a Sichuan-based manufacturer and state-owned Aviation Industry Corp of China.

Cargo drones are expected to significantly reduce delivery times and transportation costs. The technology allows drones to take off and land in areas without conventional aviation infrastructure, such as rooftops in densely populated cities. In a recent move, a firm under delivery giant SF Express began using drones for commercial deliveries, transporting fresh fruit from Hainan to Guangdong.

The Chinese government has identified the low-altitude economy as a new growth engine, citing vertical mobility as a 'new productive force' in both passenger and cargo transport. This marks a significant step toward realizing this vision.

(With inputs from agencies.)