The Chinese reveal a large drone with quad engines with the capacity for more payload than other drones; on its first flight. Chinese media added it's the first of its kind compared to other UAVs built.
China's Next-Generation Conventional UAV
The UAV is about 10.5 meters long, 3.1 meters in height, and has a wingspan of 20 meters. The builders say the maximum takeoff load is 4.35 tons, with a topped-out payload is 1.5 tons, noted the Global Times.
UAV is about 31 sq ft and approximately five cubic meters for supplies and equipment. The firm said the quad-engine UAV would be seen at the China Airshow in 2022 at Zhuhai, South China's Guangdong Province, in November.
The unique design with a twin-tailed configuration allows extra engines with a power generator. The capability of more loads and extra power improved system reliability and flight safety, reported EurAsian Times.
Tengden's setup in 2016 has 50-plus investors, including a Chinese bank bolstering its capital. The corporation has vowed to create the world's largest cargo drone and identifies itself as a developer and supplier of high-end UAVs. It intends to be a major player in disaster response, meteorological offerings, aerospace applications, and science and research.
A Quad-Engine Scorpion D Drone
Tengden's UAV show it is a fit for military roles as well. The original Twin-Tailed Scorpion (TB-001) with two engines and the Twin-Tailed Scorpion A (TB-A) with three engines are other variants in the UAV family.
By comparison, the TB-001 has a range of about 6,000 kilometers with a 35-hour flight endurance. D variant has four engines compared to TB-001 with dual engines.
The D Variant and the TB-001 have two tails and dual engines on each fuselage under the wing. The 001- type can load extra weapons or equipment. It has an underslung sensor turret in the center of the airframe, with four hardpoints to mount missiles or bombs.
The TB-001 UAV has specifications like the D variant with a 3-tons takeoff weight, including the same size specs.
Chinese PLA Deploys TB-001 in Areas of Dispute
The PLAAF is supposed to use the TB-001 in areas of contested territory. It had several sorties in Japan and Taiwan territory.It is assumed the UAV systems from the flight controls, sensors, and avionics is good enough for the military.
Inclusion in the PLA has several dispute-like borders, and the South China Sea will be used for an express purpose. Such a system will benefit deliveries to remote places if needed.
According to Popular Science, in 2018, the company partnered with the Chinese delivery service SF Express to develop an improved TB-001, particularly for freight, by boosting the size and capabilities of the aircraft.
The article mentions the concept of developing the cargo variant TB-001 to para-drop provisions in Yunnan province. A drone equipped with eight engines will be exhibited soon.
An auto-engine equipped UAV is like a medium-sized manned freight aircraft with a 137-ft wingtip to wingtip that can carry 20 tons at the least, which is supposed to be built.
Tengden's Scorpion D drone with a twin tail and quad engine layout has been fielded and offers functionality for civilian and military purposes.
Related Article: Iranian Shahed-136 UAV Shoots Down Ukrainian Air Force MiG-29 in First Air-to-Air Drone Kill
