In a significant leap for China’s aviation industry, the T1400 Tandem Rotor Unmanned Helicopter successfully completed its maiden flight in Harbin, Heilongjiang province, on October 30, 2025. Developed by Harbin United Aircraft Technology Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of the United Aircraft Group, this cutting-edge drone marks a pivotal advancement in low-altitude equipment, heralding the ‘tonne-class’ era in unmanned aviation. During its inaugural test flight, the T1400 demonstrated exceptional capabilities, including precise hovering, route navigation, and controlled landings. With a maximum takeoff weight of 1,400 kilograms and a payload capacity of 650 kilograms—equivalent to over ten adults—the T1400 is engineered for endurance, capable of operating for more than eight hours. Its robust design allows it to function in extreme temperatures ranging from -40°C to 55°C, withstand strong winds, and reach altitudes of up to 6,500 meters. Tian Gangyin, Chairman of the United Aircraft Group, emphasized the T1400’s potential to revolutionize industries such as agriculture, logistics, and emergency rescue, particularly in Heilongjiang’s expansive farmlands, forests, and waterways. The province, a key grain producer and forest base, has been actively fostering the low-altitude economy, aiming for significant breakthroughs by 2027. This initiative aligns with China’s broader strategy to position the low-altitude economy as a major growth driver, with projected market values of 1.5 trillion yuan by 2025 and 3.5 trillion yuan by 2035, according to the Civil Aviation Administration of China.