Aviation

China’s Largest Homegrown Cargo Drone Marks First Test Flight

In a significant leap forward for China’s burgeoning low-altitude economy, engineers have successfully tested the country’s largest cargo drone to date and introduced a new helicopter taxi service.

These milestones signal a broader expansion in the nation’s aviation sector, with advancements in both unmanned and manned aerial transport. The spotlight was on the twin-engine cargo drone developed by Sichuan Tengden Sci-tech Innovation Co, a state-funded enterprise. On a recent Sunday, this impressive drone, with a wingspan of 16.1 meters (52.8 feet) and a height of 4.6 meters (15 feet), undertook its maiden flight in Sichuan province.

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With a payload capacity of 2 metric tons, the drone represents a notable advancement in China’s drone technology, surpassing the size of the widely used Cessna 172 light aircraft. The inaugural flight lasted approximately 20 minutes, demonstrating the drone’s capabilities in handling significant payloads.

Come fly with China's new homegrown twin-engine unmanned transport aircraft, with 12 cubic meters of cargo space and a commercial payload capacity of 2 tonnes, its maiden flight is a low-altitude technology milestone. pic.twitter.com/GLkCLu6Oje— China Xinhua Sci-Tech (@XHscitech) August 14, 2024

China, a global leader in drone manufacturing, is pushing the boundaries of payload capacities and flight ranges. The country’s aviation authorities are actively supporting the development of both manned and unmanned air taxi services as part of a broader initiative to boost the low-altitude economy. This sector is projected to expand significantly, with the aviation regulator estimating a 2-trillion-yuan ($279 billion) industry by 2030, representing a four-fold increase from 2023 levels.

Further developments in cargo drone technology are anticipated, with AVIC planning to test its largest drone, the TP2000, next year. This model will have a payload capacity of up to 2 tons and a flight range four times greater than the current HH-100, which carries up to 700 kilograms (1,543 pounds) and has a flight radius of 520 kilometers.

In addition to advancements in cargo drones, China is also making strides in air taxi services. On Saturday, a commercial passenger helicopter made its inaugural journey from Kunshun in Jiangsu province to Shanghai Pudong Airport.

This new route, set to open on August 18, aims to drastically reduce travel time between the cities to just 20 minutes, compared to several hours by traditional means. Shanghai NewSky Heli Co is offering one-way fares of up to 1,800 yuan and forecasts up to 30,000 passengers annually for this new service.

Aviation

India Launches Its Medium-Lift Class Helicopter Program, chooses New Engine

India’s longstanding need for a Medium Helicopter may soon become a reality as the country has fully ramped up its engine development efforts. This new helicopter is set to replace the Russian-built models currently in service and will play a crucial role across various scenarios for the Indian Armed Forces.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt. Ltd. (SAFHAL) have launched a groundbreaking partnership to develop a state-of-the-art high-power engine named Aravalli.

This new engine will power the upcoming 13-ton Medium Lift Helicopter (IMRH) and the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH), both of which are being designed and developed by HAL.

Named after the majestic Aravalli mountain range in India, the Aravalli engine symbolizes the country’s drive for self-reliance, or Aatmanirbharta, in critical engine technologies. This cutting-edge engine will be instrumental for the IMRH, a versatile 13-ton multi-role helicopter designed to meet the needs of the Indian armed forces, and the DBMRH, a 12.5-ton naval variant tailored for the Indian Navy.

The IMRH is poised to become a cornerstone of the Indian armed forces over the next decade. With its first flight expected in 3 to 4 years, the IMRH is anticipated to begin induction by 2030, with plans to integrate between 300 to 400 units, and potentially more in the future.

The IMRH is envisioned as a highly versatile multi-role helicopter that will enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian military. The DBMRH, designed for naval operations, will also face the challenges of high-altitude environments in regions such as Ladakh, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh—areas of strategic importance due to their proximity to the China border.

In addition to its military applications, the Aravalli engine is projected to enter the civil market, serving roles in offshore operations, utility services, and VVIP transport. The long-term vision includes Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) activities to further extend the engine’s utility and support the aviation industry.

This collaboration between HAL and SAFHAL builds on their successful history of working together on the Shakti engine, which powers several HAL helicopters, including the Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv, the Light Combat Helicopter Prachand, and the Light Utility Helicopter. The proven success of this partnership lays a strong foundation for the development of the Aravalli engine, setting the stage for a new era in India’s helicopter capabilities.