China has completed the maiden flight of the Tianma-1000, the country’s first domestically developed mid-altitude unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).
The initial test flight took place in Shaanxi province on January 10, 2025, marking an important milestone in China’s push to expand autonomous aviation platforms for both civilian and dual-use operations.
Developed by Xi’an Aisheng Technology Group, a subsidiary of the state-owned defense conglomerate China North Industries Group Corporation, the Tianma-1000 is designed to operate in demanding high-altitude environments. The unmanned aircraft can take off and land on extremely short runways, making it well-suited for operations in remote and infrastructure-limited regions.
Technically, the Tianma-1000 offers a maximum operating altitude of 8,000 meters and a flight range of approximately 1,800 kilometers. It is primarily intended for long-distance cargo transport and can carry up to one metric ton of payload. This capacity allows it to transport commercial goods as well as emergency supplies and relief equipment during disaster response missions in China.
One of the UAV’s key strengths is its ability to operate with minimal ground infrastructure. It requires less than 200 meters for takeoff and landing and can use non-paved surfaces such as compacted dirt roads, grass fields, or temporary landing strips. This capability significantly expands its operational reach, particularly in disaster zones where conventional airport facilities may be damaged or unavailable.
The homegrown UAV is also equipped with an intelligent loading and unloading system that can autonomously handle up to one tonne of cargo in under five minutes, reducing both manpower requirements and turnaround time. It uses advanced artificial intelligence systems for route planning, obstacle detection, and avoidance for flights in unfamiliar airspace and complex terrain.
To ensure reliable performance in poor weather, the unmanned aircraft features an optical guidance landing system that supports high-precision autonomous landings in low-visibility conditions such as rain, fog, snow, and haze. A fault-tolerant flight control system adds an extra layer of safety, keeping the aircraft stable and under control even in strong winds and turbulence.