The Light Cavalry drone, developed by the 11th Academy of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, has successfully completed its maiden flight at a northwest airport. This commercial-grade aircraft relies exclusively on solar energy, utilizing photovoltaic cells integrated into its wings to power its flight.
The drone features a wingspan of 8 meters and a body length of 3.2 meters. It is designed to achieve a maximum flight endurance of 30 hours. The modular payload system allows the aircraft to be quickly configured for various applications, including remote sensing and communication relay tasks.
Designed for rapid deployment, the Light Cavalry supports vehicle-based takeoff and requires approximately 20 minutes for ground preparation. Its minimal infrastructure requirements make it suitable for operations in areas without runways, specifically for emergency communication and monitoring scenarios.
While the maiden flight marks a transition from technical validation to commercial product development, the 11th Academy has yet to disclose specific details regarding payload capacity, cruising speed, and service ceiling. Future commercialization timelines and delivery schedules remain to be announced.
