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| Foto:unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) |
VISTORBELITUNG.COM,PUCHENG, Shaanxi Province, China marked a significant milestone in its burgeoning aerospace sector on Thursday as the country's self-developed, heavy-lift unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the Jiu Tian (meaning "Nine Heavens"), successfully completed its inaugural flight at a test base in Pucheng, Shaanxi Province.
The successful maiden voyage heralds the arrival of a new, high-capacity platform that promises to revolutionize logistics, disaster relief, and resource exploration both domestically and internationally.
The Jiu Tian is not merely an incremental upgrade to existing drone technology; it represents a substantial leap in scale and capability. The aircraft boasts an impressive 25-meter wingspan and a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of a staggering 16 tonnes. Crucially, it is engineered to handle massive payloads, with a capacity of up to six tonnes.
"This heavy-lift capability positions the Jiu Tian well beyond most commercial and military UAVs currently in operation," commented a senior aerospace analyst familiar with China's defense and civil-aviation projects. "The sheer volume of cargo it can move will make it an indispensable asset for operations in difficult, remote terrains where traditional transport is costly or impractical."
Modular Design for Multi-Scenario Deployment
The core strength of the Jiu Tian lies in its modular payload switching capability. This design flexibility ensures the UAV can be rapidly reconfigured to meet diverse operational demands, making it a true multi-role platform:
Heavy Supply Transport & Logistics: Its primary role is expected to be heavy supply transport and logistics delivery, especially to remote areas, islands, or infrastructure-poor regions, drastically reducing delivery times and risks associated with manned flight.
Emergency & Disaster Relief: In the wake of natural disasters, the Jiu Tian can be quickly deployed for emergency communications restoration by carrying mobile communication nodes, or for the swift delivery of relief equipment and essential supplies to isolated communities.
Geospatial and Resource Exploration: The drone is also being prepared for high-precision missions, including geospatial mapping, disaster assessment, and mineral exploration. Its ability to carry sophisticated, heavy sensor equipment over long durations offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional manned survey aircraft.
The successful first flight is the culmination of years of research and development, underscoring China’s commitment to achieving self-reliance and technological leadership in advanced aerial systems. As the Jiu Tian moves toward full operational deployment, it is expected to significantly enhance China’s ability to project logistical power and respond to complex national emergencies.