- China’s TP1000 cargo drone completed its maiden flight.
- Developed by Yitong UAV System Co., Ltd., the TP1000 can carry a payload of 1,000 kilograms.
- The drone has a maximum range of 1,000 kilometers when fully loaded.
- Equipped with a 7-cubic-meter cargo bay and intelligent airdrop capabilities.
- Yitong plans to begin commercial operations of the TP1000 by 2026.
China’s first large unmanned cargo aircraft, the TP1000, successfully completed its maiden flight on March 15, 2025, in Qingdao, Shandong Province. Developed by Yitong UAV System Co., Ltd., the TP1000 marks a significant advancement in China’s unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology.
Advanced Features and Capabilities
The TP1000 is designed to carry a 1,000-kilogram payload with a maximum range of 1,000 kilometers when fully loaded. The aircraft features a 7-cubic-meter cargo bay and intelligent airdrop capabilities, making it versatile for logistics, disaster relief, and specialized missions.
During its 26-minute maiden flight, the drone demonstrated stable performance, validating its design and operational reliability. Jin Ge, General Manager of Yitong, highlighted the aircraft’s adaptability, stating it can be customized for marine monitoring, scientific exploration, resource development, and regional infrastructure projects.
Strategic Expansion and Future Plans
Yitong plans to obtain airworthiness certification by late 2025 and commence commercial operations in 2026, pending regulatory approvals. The company has already secured 30 orders for the TP1000, including from major logistics provider ZTO Express.
This latest addition to Yitong’s UAV lineup follows the TP500, a 500-kilogram payload drone, which recently completed its certified test flights in February 2025.
The TP1000’s debut aligns with China’s push to expand its low-altitude economy, a priority sector for technological and economic growth. The Yantai Huang-Bohai New Area has emerged as a key hub for UAV research and development, fostering advancements in drone production, core components, and integrated applications across air, land, and sea.
Yitong has established a 4,000-square-meter production facility and is building a 20,000-square-meter UAV industrial park in Yantai. By the end of 2025, the company aims to reach an annual production capacity of 100 large UAVs, further strengthening China’s position as a global leader in autonomous cargo transport.
The TP1000’s successful maiden flight marks a significant milestone in China’s UAV industry, showcasing the nation’s continued innovation in high-end unmanned aviation and its commitment to expanding autonomous logistics capabilities.