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China tests first civilian drone capable of 24-hour non-stop flight
🇨🇳 China /Technology

China tests first civilian drone capable of 24-hour non-stop flight

From South China Morning Post · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified New plan
  • China has successfully tested its first civilian drone, the TP200, capable of 24-hour non-stop flights with a full payload.
  • The tonne-class UAV is designed for various civil applications including maritime patrols, island supply, and land surveying.
  • With a range of 3,000km, the TP200 can operate in diverse weather conditions and from short, unpaved runways.

China has achieved a significant milestone in its civilian aviation sector with the maiden flight of the Yitong UAV System's TP200. This tonne-class unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is the first of its kind in China to be built to airworthiness standards for multiple civil purposes, marking a leap forward in domestic drone technology.

The first tonne-class long-distance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) suitable for multiple civil purposes to be built to airworthiness standards in China – Yitong UAV System’s TP200 – completed its maiden flight on Sunday.

— Science and Technology DailyAnnouncing the successful maiden flight of the TP200.

The TP200 boasts an impressive endurance, capable of staying airborne for a full 24 hours when carrying its maximum payload. This extended flight time translates to a substantial operational range of 3,000 kilometers (1,860 miles). Its design is tailored for a variety of critical civil missions, including maritime patrols, delivering supplies to remote islands, and conducting detailed land surveying.

the TP200 – designed to handle maritime patrols, island supply and land surveying – can stay in the air for 24 hours at its maximum payload, giving it a range of 3,000km (1,860 miles).

— Science and Technology DailyDetailing the drone's capabilities and intended uses.

Developed independently by Yitong, the TP200's versatility is further enhanced by its flexible, modular design. This allows it to be configured for tasks such as monitoring drought conditions, combating forest and grassland fires, mapping land, and surveying ecological environments, all while operating effectively in any weather. The drone features a service ceiling of approximately 7,600 meters (25,000 feet) and a maximum cruise speed of 200 km/h.

Its flexible, modular design means the system can be configured to monitor droughts, fight forest and grassland fires, map land or survey forests and ecology – all in any weather, the report added.

— Science and Technology DailyHighlighting the adaptability and multi-role potential of the TP200.

Further demonstrating its practical capabilities, the TP200 requires only 300 meters for takeoff and landing and can operate from unpaved runways. Its fuel-powered structure includes distinctive air intakes, a tail propeller, and twin vertical stabilizers, distinguishing it as a robust platform for extended civil operations.

According to the company’s website, the TP200 has a service ceiling of about 7,600 metres (25,000 feet) and a maximum cruise speed of 200km/h.

— Yitong UAV SystemProviding technical specifications of the drone.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by South China Morning Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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