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The test conducted on Thursday yielded favorable flight data and achieved all intended objectives, according to Global Times.
Developer CH UAV Aerospace said that marked a key achievement in the program’s development, which began just a year ago.
Prior to this, the CH-YH1000 completed a successful maximum-load runway test in January at Zhanghe Airport in Jingmen City, Hubei Province.
The CH-YH1000 is a medium-altitude drone designed for cargo transport. It features twin engines and advanced avionics with strong anti-jamming capabilities and high operational durability.
Its durable design enables takeoff and landing on a wide variety of surfaces, including short runways, compacted roads, grasslands, snow, ice, and even water using floats or skis, which greatly expands its application range.
The CH-YH1000 unmanned cargo aircraft completed its first test flight at an airport in northwest China on May 22, 2025. Video courtesy of Aerospace CH UAV Co Ltd
The drone has a range of 1,500 km, a payload capacity of 1,200 km, a flight endurance of 10 hours and can reach altitudes of up to 8,000 m. It can carry up to four one-cubic-meter containers, with front-loading and belly-loading capabilities. A 6 kW power supply supports specialized mission equipment, making it suitable for a wide array of tasks.
Fu Qianshao, a noted Chinese aviation expert, reviewed the prototype at the 2024 Airshow China in Zhuhai. He highlighted the aircraft’s unique cargo layout and quick loading and unloading features, emphasizing that its lower empty weight and larger payload, compared to traditional manned aircraft, which translate to greater efficiency and reduced operational costs.
The CH-YH1000 can connect urban centers with remote towns and rural areas, enabling fast and cheap transportation of goods, solving many transportation challenges. According to China Daily, its autonomous flight planning system allows for continuous 24-hour operations, including nighttime flights when traditional commercial air traffic is low.
