Hua Eagle Aviation completed the first production HE-1A large cargo drone at its final assembly line in Weinan.
The aircraft has a maximum takeoff weight of 4 tonnes and is capable of carrying up to 2 tonnes of cargo. The company stated that this configuration gives the drone a payload ratio above 50%. A technology demonstrator for the HE-1 series performed its first flight in September 2024.
The CAAC Northwest Regional Administration accepted the aircraft's type certificate application in March 2026. The company is targeting type certification by the end of 2027. Production aircraft will be shown at the Zhuhai Airshow in December, with a first flight planned before the end of the year, according to the company.
The Weinan base covers about 50,000 square meters and contains three production lines. These facilities provide capacity for more than 100 aircraft a year. Founded in July 2022, the company says its engineering team includes people who previously worked on the Y-20 transport and the C919 airliner programs.
