China's CH-YH1000 unmanned logistics aircraft successfully completed its maiden test flight on May 22, 2025, at an airfield in Northwest China.

This milestone marks a significant advancement in the drone's development, following a year since the initiation of the project, as reported by its developer, Aerospace CH UAV Co Ltd.

Designed as a multi-purpose unmanned aerial platform for medium-altitude logistics operations, the CH-YH1000 features a classic cargo aircraft design and a twin-engine configuration.

It is equipped with mission-proven avionics derived from the CH drone series, which enhances its anti-interference capabilities and overall robustness.

The drone's capabilities include outstanding short takeoff and landing performance, making it suitable for operations on secondary roads, compacted dirt runways, and grassy fields.

Its versatility is further enhanced with the option to install float kits for water landings and ski kits for operations on snow-covered terrain.

Prior to its maiden flight, the CH-YH1000 underwent a full-load taxiing test at Zhanghe Airport in Jingmen, Central China's Hubei Province, in January 2025. The drone has been described by its developers as similar to a "pickup truck in the air," with an aim to provide efficient air transportation at only slightly elevated costs compared to traditional land transportation.

The CH-YH1000 addresses logistical challenges in remote regions such as Tibet and Xinjiang, where high delivery fees and slow transportation times have posed significant issues.

Official specifications reveal that the unmanned aircraft has a range of 1,500 kilometers, an operational endurance of 10 hours, a service ceiling of 8,000 meters, and a payload capacity of 1,200 kilograms.

It can transport four one-cubic-meter cargo pallets, with capabilities for front-loading and belly-dropping cargos, thus enabling flexible logistics operations.

With a six-kilowatt onboard power supply, the aircraft can also accommodate specialized mission equipment, facilitating diversified operational demands.

The CH-YH1000 aims to connect central cities with remote counties and townships, providing low-cost and rapid cargo transport, particularly in central and western regions of China.

The versatility of the drone has been acknowledged by industry experts.

Fu Qianshao, an aviation specialist, noted that the design allows for rapid loading and unloading, resulting in high daily sortie rates and reduced operational costs.

The CH-YH1000 offers advantages over manned transport aircraft, including a lower empty weight combined with a higher load capacity, thus enabling enhanced logistics efficiency.