In a landmark achievement for unmanned aerial logistics, China’s indigenously developed FP-985 ‘Taurus’ large fixed-wing drone has successfully completed the nation’s first high-altitude plateau logistics validation flight. The pioneering mission covered over 1,100 kilometers between Nyingchi in the Xizang Autonomous Region and Beichuan County in Sichuan Province on January 13, 2026.
Engineered by Aerospace Times Feipeng Co., Ltd., the Taurus represents a technological leap in extreme-environment cargo transport capabilities. The aircraft boasts impressive specifications: a maximum takeoff weight of 5.7 tonnes, payload capacity exceeding 2 tonnes, and a ferry range surpassing 2,000 kilometers. Its specialized design enables operations in challenging environments ranging from high-altitude plateaus to island salt-fog conditions.
The drone’s successful maiden flight carried symbolic regional products including traditional butter tea and yak dairy products, demonstrating practical logistics applications. Chief designer Wei Yachuan revealed key technological innovations: ‘We modified the piston engine to maintain operational efficiency at 4,000 meters above sea level equivalent to平原 performance.’ This engineering breakthrough allows all-weather continuous operations with advanced anti-icing/de-icing systems, lightning protection, and high wind resistance.
This achievement transforms the economic connectivity between the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau and Sichuan Basin. The new aerial route dramatically reduces transport time from over 40 hours by land to under 6 hours by air. The corridor establishes a vital economic bridge that will facilitate two-way commerce: enabling swift distribution of plateau specialties like Xizang yak meat and herbal medicines to national markets, while efficiently delivering industrial products and essential supplies to remote high-altitude regions.
Beichuan County, designated as a provincial pilot zone for low-altitude economy, has developed a comprehensive industrial ecosystem covering R&D, manufacturing, operations, and training. County Party Chief Li Haotian anticipates the regular operation will attract numerous logistics and e-commerce enterprises to the region.
The breakthrough promises significant socioeconomic impact by enhancing commercialization of specialty agricultural products, directly supporting income growth and industrial upgrading in ethnic regions. This successful flight paves the way for expanded ‘aerial bridges’ across western China’s challenging terrain, injecting robust low-altitude momentum into regional development initiatives and China’s broader common prosperity goals.