THE YH-1000 unmanned transport aircraft, developed by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), successfully delivered a 400-kilogram cargo box to Liangping Airport after completing a round trip between Liangping and Wulong in Southwest China’s Chongqing Municipality on Monday. Often compared to a pickup truck in the sky, the drone is designed for demanding military and humanitarian missions. According to its developers, Monday’s test flight marked a significant milestone as the drone completed a round trip through the complex mountainous terrain of the Yangtze River Basin for the first time. The 134-kilometer route from Liangping to Wulong posed substantial challenges, crossing five peaks over 1,000 meters high, the deeply incised Wujiang Canyon, and the Yangtze River. The developers added that the drone will enter a trial operation phase after receiving regulatory approval. The YH-1000 completed its maiden flight May 22 this year. It boasts remarkable features such as ultra-short takeoff and landing distances and strong adaptability to harsh environments. It can operate on dirt roads, leveled grasslands, and highways, significantly broadening the potential application scenarios for unmanned cargo aircraft. Equipped with float kits, it can perform water landings, and with ski kits, it can operate in snowy terrain. The YH1000 stands out with a 1,200-kilogram payload capacity combined with low energy consumption, enabling long-duration missions of up to 10 hours. With a maximum takeoff weight of 2,300 kilograms, a top speed of 200 km/h, and a service ceiling of 8,000 meters, the YH1000 is capable of performing a wide range of missions, including operations in war zones and natural disaster-affected areas. It is capable of carrying four cargo pallets of one cubic meter each, with the ability to load and unload cargo from the front and drop cargo from its belly, facilitating flexible logistics operations. Additionally, its six-kilowatt onboard power supply supports specialized mission equipment, meeting diverse operational demands. The YH-1000 can establish low-cost, rapid cargo links between cities and remote counties or townships, significantly enhancing logistic connectivity in China’s central and western regions. (Xinhua) | 