China’s Air White Whale unveils the world's largest unmanned cargo aircraft

[Beijingwalker]

China’s Air White Whale unveils the world's largest unmanned cargo aircraft​

By Alfred Chua
21 October 2024
Chinese aerospace firm Air White Whale has assembled its first unmanned cargo aircraft – also the world’s largest – as it works towards eventual certification and delivery in 2026.

The first W5000 rolled off the company’s production line in the eastern Chinese city of Changzhou on 18 October.

Source: Air White Whale
Chinese firm Air White Whale has unveiled the first example of its W5000 unmanned cargo aircraft.

According to Air White Whale, the aircraft has a payload of 5t, with a maximum take-off weight of 10.8t. The W5000 – numbered as such for its payload – can operate at a maximum range of 2,600km, with a cruising speed of up to 284kts (526kmh).

It features a high-wing design and is powered by two turboprop engines. Air White Whale does not list the engine type on its website, but media reports suggest the aircraft has two AEP-100 engines from state-owned Aero Engine Corporation of China.

“[The W5000] is compatible with standard cargo pallets, adapts to various loading and unloading methods, and can take off and land at general aviation airports and civil aviation airports,” Air White Whale states.

It touts its aircraft as a “solution” for the needs of the current cargo sector, noting that the unmanned nature of the W5000 reduces manpower requirements. According to Air White Whale, one pilot can monitor up to five unmanned aircraft at a time.

The company has submitted certification documents to Chinese regulators and expects to deliver its first aircraft in the second half of 2026.

Air White Whale has not named a launch customer, but the unveiling ceremony on 18 October was attended by several government officials, as well as executives from cargo and logistics firms like JD.com, China Eastern Airlines Logistics, as well as China Post.

Founded in 2021, Air White Whale is backed by the state-linked Changzhou High-tech Jinlong investment firm. Its management board comprises former executives from Comac, Airbus China and GE Aviation.

 

[Beijingwalker]

One crew team can operate 6-7 such drones

 

[Hendarto]

The mystery engine is revealed now

 

[Beijingwalker]

CHINESE FIRM UNVEILS MASSIVE 5-TON PAYLOAD CARGO DRONE​

Haye Kesteloo
Oktober 27, 2024

A groundbreaking development in unmanned cargo aviation has emerged from Kina, where Air White Whale has completed production of what they claim is the world’s largest cargo drone. The company unveiled their W5000 unmanned aircraft at their Changzhou production facility on October 18, reports Air Cargo News.

Technical Specifications That Push Boundaries​

The W5000 boasts impressive specs that set new standards for cargo drones:

• 5-ton maximum payload capacity
• 23,810-pound maximum takeoff weight
• Over 2,295 cubic feet of cargo space
• 1,615-mile commercial range
• 74.5-foot wingspan
• 75-foot length
• 24.6-foot vertical tail height

Advanced Operational Capabilities​

The aircraft employs a traditional turboprop engine and features autonomous operation capabilities. What’s particularly notable is that ground crews can simultaneously monitor “six to seven W5000 aircraft at a time,” demonstrating significant operational efficiency potential.

Market Position and Timeline​

While no launch customer has been officially announced, major players including JD.com, China Eastern Airlines Logistics, and China Post attended the unveiling ceremony. The company’s waiting on approval from the Civil Aviation Administration of China, with first deliveries expected in late 2026.

Industry Competition​

The W5000 enters a growing market of cargo drones. For comparison:

• Natilus’s Kona carries 8,377 pounds
• Dronamics’ Black Swan handles 772 pounds

DroneXL’s Take​

This development represents a significant leap forward in drone delivery capabilities. The W5000’s impressive payload capacity could revolutionize regional air cargo operations, potentially reducing costs and environmental impact compared to traditional cargo aircraft. The autonomous capabilities and multi-aircraft monitoring system suggest a future where drone cargo operations could become as routine as truck deliveries.

Chinese Firm Unveils Massive 5-Ton Payload Cargo Drone

A groundbreaking development in unmanned cargo aviation has emerged from China, where Air White Whale has completed production of what they claim is the

dronexl.co

 

[冖_冖]

Large-Scale Cargo Drone W5000 Completes Successful Test