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First flight of China’s giant drone carrier Jiu Tian signals PLA swarm capacity boost

Xinhua hails ‘breakthrough in China’s large drone technology’, says Jiu Tian could also be deployed in wide range of civilian applications

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China says its Jiu Tian aerial “drone carrier” has completed its maiden flight in the western province of Shaanxi, described as a “breakthrough” by state media. Photo: Weibo/人民日报
Yuanyue Dangin Beijing
China’s massive aerial drone carrier the Jiu Tian has completed its first flight, adding to the potential swarming capacities of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
The Jiu Tian, which is itself a large drone, took to the air for the first time in the northwestern province of Shaanxi, state news agency Xinhua said on Thursday. The report did not mention when this took place.
Designed by the First Aircraft Institute of the state-owned aerospace giant Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), the carrier drone “leverages independent, integrated technological innovation to deliver core advantages, including heavy payload capacity, high service ceiling, wide speed range and short take-off and landing capabilities”, according to Xinhua.
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The flight signified a “breakthrough in China’s large drone technology”, the report said.

The Jiu Tian made its debut at China’s premier Zhuhai air show in November last year. It can reportedly carry up to 100 loitering munitions or small drones, including kamikaze unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). These can be deployed from both sides of the aircraft’s fuselage, extending its operational range.

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