JD's first large-scale UAV debuts in Shaanxi

JD.com has launched its first large-scale unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) at Pucheng airport, Shaanxi province, Nov 19, 2018. The UAV will be used for the company's cargo deliveries.

The UAV, known as the JDY-800, has a wing-span of 10 meters. It can cruise at altitudes of 3,000 meters at speeds of over 200 kilometers per hour. The JDY-800 can carry up to 840 kilograms' cargo during its flight.

JD.com's plan to develop a large-scale UAV was unveiled in June, when CEO Liu Qiangdong announced the plan through a social media post.

The JDY-800 has since gone through 5 months of manufacturing, assembling and testing. JD.com has produced the aircraft itself.

"The larger drones can also ferry goods in other direction. For example, farmers on the outskirts of a community can quickly ship vegetables and fruits to the downtown, which will cut down 70 percent of their logistics costs," said Liu Qiangdong.

Drone delivery is being employed by numerous e-commerce and logistics companies around the world. However, they are mainly focused on small packages.