China has successfully developed the HH-100 unmanned transport system, marking a significant stride forward in unmanned supply.
According to reports from various media outlets including Guangming Daily, China has made new advancements in unmanned equipment recently. As we witness conflicts such as those between Israel and Palestine, and Russia and Ukraine, drones are being deployed in combat operations daily, with their capability for inflicting damage being both pivotal and focal. In comparison, China is not at all lacking. However, the breakthrough in other categories is currently a source of great satisfaction for China.
For instance, China’s aviation industry has publicly reported the successful testing of the HH-100 unmanned transport system. Following its maiden flight, it will be ready for practical deployment.
This unmanned transport system resembles a large-bellied drone, akin to transport planes with turboprop structures seen previously but with significantly larger dimensions. Due to the absence of personnel and other control systems, much of its volume can be utilized for transporting various supplies, including personnel. Additionally, it features a twin-tail support structure, indicating excellent low-altitude performance and flight quality from an aerodynamic standpoint.
As per the current specifications, it weighs two tons, which is uncommon for unmanned transport aircraft worldwide. Furthermore, it has a range of 520 kilometers and can deliver supplies within its radius, with a cargo capacity of up to 700 kilograms. Under special conditions or in specific regions where manned aircraft entry is highly risky, such as areas with poor visibility or unsuitable wind and landing conditions, unmanned drones can fulfill the task of landing.
In many regions like border areas with difficult terrains and limited runway lengths, coupled with adverse weather conditions that can arise at any moment, the necessity for such capabilities at the frontline is evident. Previously, one could only wait and endure, but now, China’s drones can take off under ground command, reach designated areas, and transport urgently needed supplies weighing up to 700 kilograms to the frontline. Clearly, through this method, China’s transport and aviation support capabilities have made significant progress.
As we mentioned earlier, logistics support transport aircraft are usually hefty, and their usage demands relatively high runway standards and weather conditions. Look at the U.S. C-17 taking off from its runway amidst thick smoke; it requires a smooth surface and considerable manpower and resources to keep it flat without affecting takeoff and landing. However, unmanned drones differ significantly; with a weight of two tons and no personnel, the landing conditions can be more lenient. Frontline airports can fully meet its supply needs.
If we deploy 10 drones, we have 7 tons; if we deploy 100 drones, we have 70 tons. In the future, as China rapidly advances towards the frontline and special regions for material delivery, these drones are likely to play a significant role. China’s unmanned drones alone may not suffice; there might be helicopter versions in the future, and multi-rotor variants might also be able to lift one or two tons precisely for delivery.
Currently, with the changes and developments in China’s unmanned transport equipment, we feel that China is leading the world in unmanned equipment innovation. Currently, looking at conflicts such as those between Russia and Ukraine or Israel and Palestine and observing other countries’ warfare, unmanned drones are essentially used for two purposes: reconnaissance and launching attacks on targets or conducting attacks through the delivery of “small-diameter bombs” and missiles. However, conducting large-scale and long-range transport seems to be something only China is practically pursuing, although other countries are also working on it, their level of practical implementation lags behind China’s.
From this perspective, China’s large-bellied unmanned drones, in emergencies, carrying various combat supplies and providing supply support under various battlefield conditions, offer a very convenient solution. The unmanned aerial bridge is a significant advancement.
Previously, China relied on large transport aircraft for personnel, equipment, and heavy weapon transport. However, due to certain limitations, such as small-scale combat or fighting in complex conditions along borders where climate and terrain conditions do not allow for the landing of large transport aircraft, China’s unmanned small transport aircraft can take on the responsibility under such conditions.
These small aircraft are not too small; after all, they are larger and cover longer distances than the unmanned drones currently in use, with greater equipment and material capacity. Therefore, with the emergence of the HH-100, we perceive a significant shift in mindset. In the future, China will swiftly integrate unmanned equipment support systems into aerial supply support, playing a crucial role in enhancing frontline combat capabilities. (Du Wenlong)