China's domestically developed tonne-class large unmanned transport aircraft recently completed its maiden flight in Shandong province, marking a significant advancement in the field of high-end unmanned aviation equipment.

The aircraft named TP1000, designed and manufactured by a company based in Yantai, Shandong, is nearly 11 meters long with a wingspan of about 15 meters.

It has a long flight range, heavy payload capacity, and low operational costs. It boasts a takeoff weight of 3.3 metric tons, a payload capacity of 1,000 kilograms, a maximum range of 1,000 kilometers when fully loaded, and 7-cubic-meter cargo bay.

With a large rear cargo door, the TP1000 is capable of intelligent airdrop, enhancing its utility in emergency rescue and disaster relief operations.

Compared to its predecessor, the TP1000 delivers improved safety and flexibility, meeting diverse needs in commercial and specialized applications.

Beyond cargo transport, the TP1000 allows rapid customization for marine monitoring, scientific research surveys, resource exploration, and regional infrastructure development.

It is expected to enter into commercial service in 2026.