2-ton cargo drone ready for takeoff

China has completed the production of the SUNNY-T2000, a 2-metric-ton unmanned cargo aircraft, marking a significant step in boosting the logistics network for long-haul, regional, and last-mile delivery.

The SUNNY-T2000, independently developed by Shenyang Sunny Aeronautics and Space Adventure Co, rolled off the production line on Saturday in Shenyang, Liaoning province.

Officials said the aircraft will help advance a three-dimensional logistics network in Shenbei New District that integrates long-distance heavy hauling, regional transfer and terminal coverage.

The drone is equipped with a 15-cubic-meter rectangular cargo hold and has a maximum payload of 2 tons, allowing it to accommodate a wide range of cargo including emergency supplies, industrial parts and agricultural products, said He Jun, a professor at Shenyang Aerospace University and chairman of the company.

With a full load, the aircraft has an operational range of more than 1,000 kilometers and can take off and land on an 800-meter runway, He said. Its design allows it to connect with long-distance logistics networks while reaching remote areas and complex terrain.

The aircraft is also capable of aerial cargo drops, making it suitable for emergency rescue and forest firefighting operations in addition to regular cargo transport, He said.

He said existing cargo aircraft are limited by payload, internal space and full-load range, making large-scale air transport difficult and often less competitive than land transportation.

"There is a need for such long-distance cargo aircraft," He said.

The company is also advancing projects for 6-ton and 7-ton cargo aircraft. He said the core power system of the 6-ton model has been completed using the ATP120 turboprop engine as its power source.

The 6-ton aircraft offers cargo space equivalent to a 40GP standard container, or about 67 cubic meters, and is designed for medium — and short-haul heavy cargo transport, He said.

In addition, a 10-ton commercial cargo aircraft is under development, aimed at cross-regional long-distance transport of heavy loads, including industrial components and bulk agricultural products.

In the future, the SUNNY-T2000 will operate alongside the 6-ton, 7-ton and 10-ton models, coordinating with the Shenbei University City aircraft delivery route to form a multilevel logistics network, He said.

During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), Shenbei New District identified the low-altitude economy as a strategic emerging industry and a new driver of high-quality growth.

The district has attracted more than 30 low-altitude economy-related enterprises, forming a complete aircraft manufacturing echelon led by Shenyang Sunny Aeronautics and Space Adventure and Optimal Aerospace Science and Industry Group. The sector is supported by complementary industrial and service clusters.

So far, 14 airspaces and two drone logistics test routes have been approved, giving the district the largest and highest-quality airspace resources in the province, said Li Linghui, deputy director of the district's industry and information technology bureau. The district has also built 21 temporary takeoff and landing points, the most in the province.

Shenbei New District is accelerating construction of key infrastructure, including the Shenbei general airport and the second phase of the Aifeike flight camp. It has also been approved to establish the first low-altitude aircraft onboard equipment quality inspection and testing center in Northeast China.

Looking ahead, the district will continue pursuing its goal of becoming a national cluster, pilot and demonstration area for the low-altitude economy, Li said.

Contact the writers at zhouhuiying@chinadaily.com.cn