The HH-100 aircraft developed by China is a low-cost option with a large carrying capacity, an operating range of 520 km, and a maximum cruise speed of 300 km/h. It successfully performed its first test flight in Xi’an city, Shaanxi province, northwest China, covering a distance of 35 km and meeting all testing requirements. AVIC XAC Commercial Airplane Company, a subsidiary of Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), independently developed the HH-100, which consists of a drone and a ground command and control station.
With a payload of 700 kg and the ability to carry about 4 m3 of cargo, the HH-100 is designed for regional air logistics and short-range deliveries. It can reach a maximum altitude of 5,000 m and is part of AVIC’s project to provide affordable commercial unmanned air transport systems for the growing low-altitude economy. Companies worldwide are investing in unmanned cargo aircraft for their potential to enhance logistics operations with fast, efficient, and environmentally friendly freight transportation solutions.
In the US, companies like Amazon and Walmart are testing drone delivery services, while China’s civil drone industry is expected to reach 117.4 billion yuan ($16.2 billion) in 2023. These developments reflect the increasing interest and investment in unmanned cargo aircraft globally.