The world’s first hybrid-power cargo drone successfully completed its maiden flight on Sunday in China.
It is a development that analysts believe could have powerful c, especially in the Taiwan Strait.
State broadcaster CCTV reported on Tuesday that the CH YH-1000S drone successfully completed its maiden flight at Chongqing Airport in southwest China.
According to CCTV, the drone uses a high-powered hybrid system jointly developed with a leading new energy vehicle company. An electric motor and a gas-powered engine are combined in this system. It enables the aircraft to run on one power source or both at once.
“The hybrid power train significantly shortens take-off and landing distances and increases payload and range,” CCTV said, without sharing detailed specifications.
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The CH YH-1000S is an upgraded version of the CH YH-1000, which made its first flight in May, according to China Daily. The CH YH-1000S is powered by a traditional system.
State news agency Xinhua said the CH YH-1000 can carry up to 1,200kg of cargo, fly up to 1,500km, and remain airborne for more than 10 hours.
The new hybrid model could be used for international cargo transport, emergency rescue, disaster relief, maritime surveillance, and weather monitoring, CCTV stated.
Defence analysts are worried about its military potential despite these civilian applications. According to some, the drone might be crucial in a future Taiwanese conflict.
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Lyle Goldstein, director of the Asia programme at the Washington-based think tank Defence Priorities, said, “The drone may be a game changer.” He added, “A Chinese PLA invasion of Taiwan is quite feasible.”
Goldstein said the success of such an operation would depend heavily on the deployment of airborne troops and special forces behind Taiwan’s beach defences. “These forces would aim to create chaos, block reinforcements, and destroy key command centres,” he said.
He explained that one of the biggest challenges for troops operating behind enemy lines is logistics. “Elite forces can quickly run out of ammunition and supplies during intense fighting,” Goldstein said. “Heavy transport drones could maintain vital supply lines and keep these forces operational.”
Goldstein added that if drones like the CH YH-1000S can support the first wave of troops, later landings would become easier. “They could significantly reduce the risks of this difficult mission,” he said.
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In October, Goldstein published a combat simulation suggesting that the PLA could deploy tens of thousands of elite troops behind Taiwan’s defences within 24 hours of an attack, though he noted that losses would likely be high.
China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has never ruled out the use of force to achieve reunification. In recent years, Beijing has increased military pressure on the island.
The CH series drones are developed by the China Academy of Aerospace Aerodynamics, a subsidiary of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. These drones have been exported to more than 10 countries.
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The company stated that the CH YH-1000S marks the first deep collaboration between China’s drone and automotive industries. “By sharing supply chains and using modular production, we have significantly reduced research and manufacturing costs,” it said.
