Chongqing - Fonair UAS Technologies Co., Ltd, based in Chongqing Liangjiang New Area, recently completed a short-haul logistics transportation test flight for a vertical takeoff and landing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). This marks the inaugural logistics transport verification flight in Chongqing’s domestic general aviation equipment logistics pilot program.

The sizable unmanned transport aircraft FP-981C, laden with goods, ascended vertically at the general airport and flew for approximately 15 minutes to deliver the cargo to its destination. 

This trial aimed to confirm the feasibility of sizeable vertical takeoff and landing unmanned aircraft in conducting short-haul logistics transportation within the Chongqing region.

Wang Renlong, Deputy General Manager of Fonair UAS, said that the FP-981C, the UAV used in this test flight, is an unmanned electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft with a wingspan of 9 meters, a body length of 5.5 meters, a takeoff weight of 400 kilograms, a carrying capacity of 100 kilograms, and a range of 100 kilometers.

The UAV primarily relies on eight propellers for lift during takeoff, and once stabilized in the air, it switches to forward thrust provided by a rear propeller, allowing it to transition from vertical ascent to level flight seamlessly.

“This design allows the UAV to take off without the need for traditional runways, making it suitable for complex terrain in Chongqing, replete with mountains, hills, and rivers,” Wang emphasized.

Fonair UAS, a UAV technology and service provider under Chinese express and logistics giant SF Express, is devoted to applying intelligent aviation technology to enhance logistics service. Their vision extends to creating a robust UAV ecosystem with carrying capacities ranging from 150 kilograms to three tons.

World’s first commercial trial operation license for a sizable logistics UAV

Notably, in 2020, another aircraft, FH-98 of Fonair UAS, completed cargo flights between Ningxia and Inner Mongolia. They secured the world’s first commercial trial operation license for a sizable logistics UAV from the Civil Aviation Administration of China in the previous year.

Liangjiang New Area is pivotal in Chongqing’s ambition to establish a leading aerospace information industry cluster. This region has progressively developed key industries like satellite internet and applications, commercial space research and manufacturing, unmanned aircraft, aviation power, and aerospace materials, creating a comprehensive industrial development framework integrating core industries with essential service support.

Chongqing has set the stage for innovation in domestic general aviation equipment logistics transport and actively nurtures the growth of unmanned aircraft and aviation equipment industries. 

This successful test flight serves as a powerful catalyst for developing the low-altitude economy. It promises long-term growth in the city’s unmanned aircraft and aviation equipment sectors, ultimately becoming a driving force for Chongqing’s intelligent equipment industry.