On Sunday, January 11, 2026, the Chinese mainland's Tianma-1000 unmanned cargo aircraft completed its maiden flight, marking a milestone in drone-powered logistics. Developed by Xi'an ASN Technology Group Co., Ltd. under China North Industries Group Corporation, the Tianma-1000 blends cargo transport, emergency rescue and airdrop missions into one sleek package. 🚁
As the first unmanned aircraft from the Chinese mainland designed to tackle high-altitude, complex terrain, the Tianma-1000 shines with ultra-short takeoff and landing capabilities. It can switch between cargo delivery and airdrop modes in a flash – perfect for getting supplies to remote areas. ⛰️📦
Key features:
- Range of 1,800 km for rapid 'air express lines'
- Service ceiling of 8,000 meters
- Takeoff and landing roll under 200 meters, enabling grassland and dirt road operations
- Modular cargo cabin for quick mission reconfiguration
- Autonomous loading/unloading in under five minutes
- Smart route planning with obstacle avoidance and optical guidance for precise landings
Thanks to its onboard intelligence, the Tianma-1000 maps safe routes around mountains and buildings, even in unfamiliar airspace. Its optical guidance landing system ensures pinpoint landings in low visibility, unlocking new possibilities for emergency relief and frontier logistics. 🔍✈️
With such capabilities, this drone opens doors to faster deliveries in rugged regions and faster responses during crises. Stay tuned as the Tianma-1000 prepares for tests on real-world missions – the future of cargo transport is taking flight! 🌏✨
Reference(s):
'Tianma-1000' unmanned cargo aircraft completes maiden flight
cgtn.com
