China’s domestically developed NORINCO LUCA large cargo unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) completed its maiden flight on Tuesday in Zhengzhou, Henan province, marking a significant milestone for the country’s low-altitude logistics sector, according to the Global Times.
Developed by the state-owned Norinco Group, the aircraft is the largest logistics UAV to successfully complete a first flight. The company described it as China’s first 7-tonne-class fixed-wing “unmanned aerial heavy truck.”
During the test, the aircraft took off after a runway roll of just over 200 metres and remained airborne for approximately 30 minutes. Key systems—including flight control, avionics, electromechanical systems, propulsion and fuel systems—were successfully validated, and the UAV completed a stable landing.
Designed for heavy-duty logistics operations, the NORINCO LUCA has a wingspan of 25 metres, a length of 17 metres, and a height of 4.5 metres. It can carry a maximum payload of 3.5 tonnes, according to chief designer Geng Jianzhong.
“In emergency scenarios, it can transport 1,750 winter jackets weighing 2 kilograms each, or 700 standard disaster-relief tents. From an industrial logistics perspective, this capacity is sufficient to move large mechanical components and, in some cases, an entire production line,” Geng told the Global Times.
The UAV features an 18-cubic-metre unobstructed cargo bay compatible with standard containers and specialised cold-chain units, enabling transport of a wide range of goods including industrial components, fresh produce, and emergency supplies.
With a range exceeding 3,000 km at full load, the NORINCO LUCA is suitable for cross-regional transport and time-sensitive deliveries, such as seafood or medical supplies. Its short take-off and landing capability allows operation from runways as short as 200 metres, as well as from basic airstrips and roads, improving access to remote areas.
The platform is supported by an intelligent dispatch system, allowing centralised control of multiple aircraft and continuous operations.
Built on a modular design, the NORINCO LUCA can also be adapted for other applications, including emergency communications, weather modification, border patrol, and electronic reconnaissance.
