China has taken a major step in drone swarm operations with the first official flight of its “Jiu Tian” large aerial drone carrier.
The Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) announced the milestone flight, which took place in China’s northwestern Shaanxi province.
State-owned Xinhua described Jiu Tian as a high-tech aerial platform that “leverages independent, integrated technological innovation to deliver core advantages.”
It listed a high service ceiling, broad speed range, and short take-off and landing capabilities as the carrier’s key features.
Also called a “mothership” drone, the Jiu Tian can reportedly deploy swarms of small drones or loitering munitions, with the capability to board over 6,000 kilograms (13,228 pounds) of payload.
Its eight external hardpoints allow it to host additional systems, enabling the aircraft to shift roles as an airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and electronic warfare platform.
Mission Capabilities
China’s new drone carrier has a takeoff weight of 16 tons and can stay aloft for over 12 hours.
It can reach altitudes of 15,000 meters (49,200 feet), a capability Xinhua described as “among the best in its class.”
Beyond launching drones and performing ISR, Jiu Tian is expected to support other missions, including heavy cargo delivery and restoring communications in hard-to-reach locations.
It can also assist in medical and rescue operations, scanning affected areas from above.
