China-made unmanned helicopter completes successful maiden flight

By Phong Ngo November 6, 2025 | 08:22 pm PT

China’s unmanned helicopter, the T1400, completed its successful first flight in Heilongjiang Province, showcasing a 650 kg payload and a top speed of 180 km/h.

Developed by Harbin United Aircraft Technology Co., a subsidiary of United Aircraft Group, the T1400 performed a series of maneuvers during its test flight in Harbin, the provincial capital, on Oct. 30, as reported by CGTN.

According to Tian Gangyin, chairman of United Aircraft Group, the T1400 has a maximum takeoff weight of 1,400 kg, marking a significant advance in both payload capacity and durability, overcoming long-standing limitations in industrial drones.

The twin-rotor T1400, resembling the U.S. Army's Boeing Chinook CH-47, is powered by two 130-kilowatt engines, allowing it to stay airborne for up to eight hours and cover over 900 km, the South China Morning Post reported.

The T1400 unmanned helicopter developed by China's Harbin United Aircraft Technology Co. Photo from X

The helicopter’s service ceiling reaches 6,500 meters, and it can withstand extreme temperature ranges from -40°C to 55°C. It can also operate in winds up to Beaufort level 6 during take-off and level 8 while in flight, making it suitable for harsh environments.

Targeting Heilongjiang’s vast agricultural, forestry, and waterway areas, it has potential applications in agriculture, cargo transport, emergency rescue, and forest fire prevention. Tian emphasized that the helicopter will see widespread deployment across China in the future.

The low-altitude economy (LAE) in China has gained significant momentum since being highlighted as a new growth driver in the 2024 government work report. According to forecasts from the Civil Aviation Administration of China, the LAE market is expected to reach 1.5 trillion yuan (approximately $211.6 billion) by 2025 and grow to 3.5 trillion yuan by 2035.