In the highly competitive drone industry, China is dominating the field. Da-Jing Innovations, better known as DJI, is the most successful drone manufacturer on the planet, controlling more than 70% of the global drone market. The DJI Mini Pro 4, costing an average of around $1,500, is the most popular drone based on sales. Like nearly all of DJI’s products, it is a premium-quality item that is easy to use while still boasting a reasonable price point. China’s ability to push the boundaries of innovative technology, with the support of the nation’s government, has set the bar for the drone industry.

But dominating the small commercial drone industry is just the beginning for China. They have also taken the large drone sector, specifically those used in agriculture, by storm. Now, China is looking to once again corner the market by providing the largest cargo drones ever capable of lifting thousands of pounds. China foresees low-altitude unmanned vehicles as the next step in what they refer to as the fourth industrial revolution—the drone industry. For this to be successful, China believes that a full range of low-altitude drones will be necessary. This includes everything from small drones used by emergency services, to medium drones for last-mile deliveries, large drones for human transportation, and extra-large drones that can supply goods to factories and beyond.

In April 2024, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) issued EHang a production certificate for the company’s passenger drone. As the first certificate of this kind granted by the CAAC, this marked the government’s desire to fully conquer the low-altitude drone industry. The following month, Phoenix Wings began drone deliveries for SF Express, China’s leading delivery company. The cargo drone, with a 25.3-gallon cargo bay and a maximum payload of 33 pounds, traveled at speeds upwards of 69 mph to deliver fruit from the island of Hainan to mainland Guangdong.

On June 12, 2024, the Chinese state-run Aviation Industry Corp of China (AVIC) held a maiden flight test in Tengden of a heavy-lift cargo drone. Called the HH-100, the drone has a wingspan of 52.8 feet and is 15 feet tall. The drone’s payload capacity is 1,543 pounds, and it has a 332-mile range. Though AVIC is a state-funded company, the HH-100 is intended to be a civilian commercial drone. AVIC explains that the drone has a wide range of applications in the civilian sector, such as “feeder logistics, fire suppression in forests and grasslands, fire monitoring, transportation and delivery of emergency supplies, communication relay, and even artificial rain enhancement.” AVIC plans to test an even larger drone called the TP200 within the next year. This drone will have a range four times farther than the HH-100 and support 4,000 pounds of cargo.

Meanwhile, on August 22, 2024, Hunan Shanhe Huayu Aviation Technology conducted a 40-minute flight test of the SA750U cargo drone. The extra-large drone weighs 8,600 pounds and can carry up to 6,400 pounds of cargo, for a maximum lift-off weight of 15,000 pounds. The SA750U drone has a maximum cruise speed of 191.3 mph and a 1,367-mile flight range. This drone is also being developed for the civilian commercial industry, though it could have applications in the military sector. As He Qinghua, chairman of Hunan Shanhe Huayu Aviation Technology, said, “The SA750U unmanned transport aircraft can be modified for different scenarios, and the aircraft has strong adaptability.”

These large and extra-large cargo drones have the potential to completely change logistical operations. They demonstrate that bulk goods can be transported over long distances without the need for a manned aircraft. They can move items from factories to stores without requiring a manned vehicle. And they can certainly carry out last-mile deliveries, bringing packages directly to consumers. These drones can complete all of these delivery operations in record time as well. As it becomes increasingly difficult to find people willing to work in the logistics industry, drones will become vital logistical providers. With the continued evolution of the drone and low-altitude industry, China’s ambitious advancements in both small and large-scale drone technology will continue to shape the market. China has conquered the market for everyday small drones and is now paving the way for a new era of delivery and transport solutions with drone technology.

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