The First Aerospace Series Hangyuan 981H Hydrogen-Powered Heavy-Lift Cargo Drone Makes Its Maiden Flight in Chongqing

On December 19, the first aerospace-sector Hangyuan 981H hydrogen-powered heavy-lift cargo drone successfully completed its maiden flight in Chongqing, with government and enterprise guests gathering to witness the milestone. Leaders from the Chongqing Municipal NDRC, Municipal Transport Commission and other departments attended on site; heads of Shanghai Institute of Space Power Supply, Aerospace Times Low-Altitude Technology, China Post Chongqing Branch, Times Feipeng Technology and other enterprises delivered remarks, and representatives of the four parties signed a strategic agreement on the spot. Under the model of “core power + industrial synergy + local empowerment,” they opened a new chapter of cross-boundary integration for Chongqing’s low-altitude logistics, hydrogen technology and postal network.

At the symposium, stakeholders focused on industrial development and offered suggestions: Times Feipeng emphasized the role of hydrogen technology in extending drone driving range and expanding application scenarios; China Post pinpointed the challenges of large-scale drone freight operations and looked forward to joint solutions; the Hangyu Fund pledged financing support; Aerospace Hydrogen Energy stated it will tackle technical pain points and explore innovative service models, highlighting the broad prospects of hydrogen drones as a complement to lithium battery drones.

This maiden flight and signing ceremony is a key practice in deepening strategic cooperation between China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation and Chongqing, and a landmark outcome of government-enterprise collaboration in building an industrial ecosystem. Aerospace Hydrogen Energy leverages the strengths of all parties to create a complete industry chain of “technology R&D – scenario deployment – standard export,” precisely aligning with Chongqing’s goal of “building a national demonstration city for the low-altitude economy,” injecting momentum into Chongqing’s consolidation of its position as a southwest low-altitude logistics hub.

Addressing industry pain points of lithium battery drones—“short driving range, slow recharging”—and fuel-powered models—“high pollution, high O&M”—the Hangyuan 981H is equipped with a fuel cell system independently developed by the aerospace sector, offering long endurance and low-temperature tolerance. The aircraft achieves dual breakthroughs of 100 kg payload and 300 km driving range, tripling the endurance of the lithium battery version and refueling in 3–5 minutes, far surpassing lithium battery charging efficiency. It can readily handle Chongqing’s “mountain city” terrain and complex climate, ensuring timely mail delivery to remote villages.