Hu Zhendong, chairman and CEO of Air White Whale, stated that the company believes large cargo drones will play a key role in the future of airfreight transportation, citing their efficiency and cost-effectiveness as major advantages.
The W5000 is a twin-turboprop drone with a maximum takeoff weight of 10.8 metric tons, a payload capacity of 5 tons, and an interior cargo space of over 65 cubic meters. Measuring 22.9 meters in length and with a wingspan of 22.7 meters, the drone can cover distances of up to 2,600 kilometers in a single flight.
According to Air White Whale, the W5000 operates at approximately 60 percent of the cost of a manned cargo plane with similar capacity. Additionally, a single ground crew can manage up to seven W5000 drones simultaneously.
The company has already submitted an airworthiness certification application to the Civil Aviation Administration of China, with delivery of the first model anticipated in 2026. The W5000 will also be showcased at the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai, Guangdong province, in November.
The drone is expected to serve markets in southeast and central Asia, Russia, and Japan. Intent orders have already been signed by countries including Saudi Arabia and Jordan.
Industry experts suggest that cargo drones like the W5000 could create significant business opportunities, particularly as China eases its regulations on low-altitude airspace and e-commerce continues to grow.
The Aviation Industry Corporation of China, the nation's leading state-owned aircraft manufacturer, along with several private firms, is developing various cargo drones, with plans to introduce them into commercial operations in the near future.
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