The HH-100 aircraft, developed independently by China, is affordable, has a large cargo capacity, an operational range of 520 km, and a maximum cruising speed of 300 km/h.
The prototype of the HH-100 unmanned cargo aircraft successfully completed its first flight. (Video: CGTN)
The prototype of the HH-100 unmanned cargo aircraft successfully conducted its first test flight in Xi’an, Shaanxi province, northwest China, as reported by Interesting Engineering on June 14. During the flight, the HH-100 prototype covered 35 km, operated stably, and met all testing requirements.
The AVIC XAC Commercial Aircraft Company, a subsidiary of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), developed the HH-100 independently. The system consists of two main components: the unmanned aircraft and an underground command and control station.
The HH-100 is an affordable, high-capacity aircraft designed primarily for cargo transportation, with a load capacity of approximately 4 m3. The aircraft has a maximum takeoff weight of 2,000 kg, a payload of 700 kg, and an operational range of 520 km. Its cruising speed is 300 km/h, and it can reach an altitude of up to 5,000 m.
HH-100 is an affordable, high-capacity aircraft.
The HH-100 is primarily intended for air logistics operations in the region or for short-distance deliveries. However, potential applications include firefighting, transporting relief supplies, emergency communication relay, and even weather modification. The HH-100 is part of AVIC’s project to provide reliable and cost-effective commercial unmanned air transport systems, targeting the rapidly growing low-altitude economy.
Many companies worldwide are investing in unmanned cargo aircraft due to their potential to enhance logistics operations. They offer efficient, fast, and environmentally friendly cargo transportation solutions. Designed to carry heavy loads over long distances, they circumvent challenges faced by traditional transport methods while reducing carbon emissions.
In the United States, Amazon and Walmart are testing drone delivery services in various areas. Meanwhile, in China, the civilian drone industry reached 117.4 billion yuan (approximately 16.2 billion USD) in 2023, marking a 32% increase compared to the previous year, according to the China Information Industry Development Center.
