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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –
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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News
CHENGDU, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) — China's domestically developed FP-985 Taurus large unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) completed a long-distance logistics flight over the highlands between southwest China's Sichuan Province and Xizang Autonomous Region on Wednesday.
Loaded with local delicacies including butter tea and yak milk products, the UAV traveled more than 1,100 km from Linzhi City (Nyingchi) in southwest Xizang Autonomous Region to Beichuan Qiang Autonomous County in Sichuan Province, marking the success of the country's first large-scale UAV logistics validation flight in high-altitude conditions.
Developed by Aerospace Times Feipeng Co., Ltd., the drone is designed to operate in challenging environments such as high mountains, islands, and other geographically complex regions. It has a maximum takeoff weight of 5.7 tons and a payload capacity of over 2 tons.
It is capable of long-haul cargo operations in extreme conditions—from cold high plateaus to salt-fog-affected island regions. It also supports short takeoff and landing (STOL) at standard airfields and offers flexible operation on poorly equipped runways.
The company stated that the device is capable of 24/7 operation in all weather conditions, featuring anti-icing/de-icing features, lightning protection, and high resistance to strong winds.
“We modified the piston engine so that the drone could operate at an altitude of 4,000 meters above sea level as effectively as on flat land,” said Wei Yachuan, the UAV’s chief designer, adding that the successful maiden flight laid a solid technical foundation for establishing a low-altitude logistics network in more challenging geographic conditions.
Traditional land transportation in the Sichuan-Xizang region is limited by rugged terrain, complex geology, and variable climate. A new air logistics route has reduced cargo transportation time between Mianyang and Linzhi from over 40 hours by land to less than six hours.
This air route also creates an economic bridge between the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau and the Sichuan Basin.
The corridor is designed to facilitate trade flows: highland delicacies such as yak meat and medicinal herbs can be quickly distributed through Beichuan County to markets across China, while manufactured goods, daily necessities, and emergency supplies from Sichuan can be efficiently transported to Xizang.
This will significantly enhance the commercialization and value of specialty agricultural products along the Sichuan-Xizang corridor, directly contributing to income growth and industrial upgrading in the regions. -0-
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