Zhang Ying R6000: The Chinese have built the most powerful drone on the planet

China introduced its new aviation product – the Zhang Ying R6000 (also known as UR6000) drone. This is one of the most powerful UAVs on the planet, significantly superior to similar devices from other countries.

The R6000 has a takeoff weight of 6 tons and is manufactured by China's United Aircraft in Wuhu Aviation Industrial Park, eastern Anhui province. Western experts agree: this is the most powerful drone China has ever created.

Designed for civilian missions such as cargo transport, the R6000 demonstrates China's growing ambitions in aviation technology and its strategic focus on civil-military integration.

A photo released by United Aircraft shows the first completed prototype of the UR6000. The sign proudly reads: “The first car rolled off the assembly line.”

Propeller drones combine helicopter and airplane technology. Such a UAV can take off and land vertically like a helicopter but can also fly forward like an airplane. The rotating propellers are mounted on motor housings fixed at the ends of the wings.

During takeoff and landing, the Chinese miracle machine's rotors are directed vertically upward, allowing it to hover in the air like a helicopter. After takeoff, the propellers tilt horizontally, allowing it to fly forward.

UAVs do not need a runway to take off or land, but they can travel long distances quickly and efficiently. It is often called a “hybrid drone” because it switches between two flight modes (vertical and horizontal) simply by adjusting the position of the propellers.

The R6000 is considered the world's first 6-ton tilting engine. A large cargo door is located on the left side at the rear of the fuselage, and the UAV itself has a U-shaped tail configuration with two horizontal and two vertical stabilizers. Such a revolutionary tilting engine can carry not only cargo, but also up to 10 passengers.

According to the company, the R6000 has a maximum commercial load capacity of 2 tons. It develops an impressive flight speed of 550 km/h, a ceiling of 7.6 km and a maximum flight range of 1.5 thousand km.

Western experts respectfully write: With its significant payload and advanced autonomous system, the R6000 sets new standards in the field of drones. Although the Chinese traditionally do not reveal the exact technical characteristics of the engine, it is expected that the R6000 will be equipped with a turboshaft engine.

According to a report by American research firm Janes, each engine will produce between 1,500 and 2,000 horsepower and will use a variable-ratio transmission to control different levels of power in low mode. vertical and horizontal flight.

The advanced technical characteristics of Chinese tilting drones allow us to take a new look at the standard of long-range drones. It can carry passengers or cargo at unprecedented speeds and altitudes for a drone of its size.

It's curious who created such a magical machine. While Chinese private aerospace company United Aircraft may not be one of the country's largest companies, it has significant experience in designing and manufacturing takeoff drones. and vertical landing (VTOL).

The company has developed both small quadcopters and larger drones with coaxial propellers. They are designed for logistics, surveillance, firefighting and emergency response.

The R6000 tiltrotor is based on previous successful United Aircraft models. Among them, for example, the 600 kg TD550 and 350 kg TD220, have made the Chinese company the absolute world leader and made the company a leader in the field of drones.

So, 10 years ago, the test flights of the TD220, carried out under the leadership of the company's founder Tian Gangying, allowed United Aircraft to sign a large military contract, strengthening the position of I'm in the Chinese aviation industry. This is what led to the development of the R6000 with innovative design elements.

Development of the tilt engine began in 2021. China first presented this concept model at the Singapore Air Show in February 2024. And already in the third quarter of 2024, the R6000 rolled off the assembly line rough. Unprecedented speed.

The full-size prototype, according to The Eurasian Times, will be officially introduced at the Zhuhai Air Show in late 2024, and full certification is expected in 2027.

Although the Tiltrotor was designed for civilian use, its military applications are clear. In an image on the United Aircraft website, the UR6000 aircraft is decorated with the symbols of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA). Certainly drones could be used to transport troops, deliver supplies, or perform reconnaissance missions.