The Changying-8 large cargo unmanned aerial vehicle, completely independently developed by Norinco Group's Northern Company, successfully completed its maiden flight at Zhengzhou Shangjie Airport on the 31st. This 7-ton class, largest cargo UAV in the world to have completed a successful maiden flight, smoothly passed key tests of intelligent flight control, avionics, power and fuel.
According to the Global Times, the Changying-8 is equipped with two domestic turboprop engines, successfully taking off after taxiing just over 200 meters down the runway, and landed smoothly after more than 30 minutes in its first flight.
It is understood that the Changying-8 UAV is mainly used for logistics transportation. The aircraft has a wingspan of 25 meters, a length of 17 meters, and a height of 4.5 meters. It can take off and land over short distances on simple runways, requiring as little as 200 meters. The maximum payload is 3.5 tons, with a cargo range reaching up to 3,000 kilometers and a service ceiling of 8 kilometers. Its ultra-large 18 cubic meter cargo hold can accommodate multiple standard aviation containers and specialized cold chain transport boxes, with loading and unloading completed within 15 minutes, greatly enhancing logistics turnaround efficiency.
Relying on two domestic turboprop engines as well as China's seven core technologies and comprehensive patent layout—including high-precision airdrop technology, low-energy de-icing technology, multi-aircraft command and control technology, among others—the Changying-8 can be used in scenarios such as long-distance logistics transport, emergency rescue drops, border material supply, and operations in complex regions. It provides key equipment support for the development of the low-altitude economy and emergency support system construction, and offers regular material supply for remote areas such as plateaus and islands with limited transportation access.