China’s new unmanned helicopter T1400 completes maiden flight

China’s T1400 tandem rotor unmanned helicopter successfully completed its first flight in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, marking a major step toward the “tonne-class” era of low-altitude aviation.

Developed by Harbin United Aircraft Technology Co., the T1400 performed hovering, route flights, and precision landings during its maiden test. With a maximum takeoff weight of 1,400 kg and a payload capacity of 650 kg, it can stay airborne for over eight hours and operate in temperatures from −40°C to 55°C, at altitudes up to 6,500 meters.

This photo taken on Oct. 30, 2025 shows Boying T1400 Tandem Rotor Unmanned Helicopter of United Aircraft in flight in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. [Photo by Zhang Tao/Xinhua]

The helicopter is designed for agriculture, logistics, and emergency rescue, particularly across Heilongjiang’s farmlands, forests, lakes, and rivers, with nationwide deployment planned.

The launch aligns with China’s growing low-altitude economy, projected to reach 1.5 trillion yuan ($211.6 billion) by 2025 and 3.5 trillion yuan by 2035.