A large unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), named "Jiutian", completed its maiden flight on Thursday, according to its developer, the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC).

The domestically developed general-purpose drone, measuring 16.35 meters in length and 25 meters in wingspan, took to the skies in Pucheng, northwest China's Shaanxi Province.

This aircraft boasts a maximum takeoff weight of 16 tonnes and a payload capacity of 6,000 kilograms. It can operate for up to 12 hours with a ferry range of 7,000 kilometers, according to the AVIC.

Debuting at the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in 2024, the UAV features an isomerism hive module in its fuselage, where various loads can be installed to meet the demands of different missions, such as transportation, airdrop, information support, and military attacks.

Its modular payload system enables roles ranging from precise deliveries of heavy cargo to remote regions, to emergency communication and disaster relief, to geographic surveying and resource mapping.

Military expert Du Wenlong highlighted its impressive armament options.

"Once equipment is loaded onto the UAV, it can work like an arsenal plane or a composite aircraft. So, it can incorporate the functions of reconnaissance, interference and striking at the same time," he said.

The successful development of this aircraft has effectively addressed a critical gap in China's heavy UAV market. It opens a new avenue for the nation's aviation industry and carries significant strategic importance in enhancing China's voice within the global high-end equipment sector, according to industry experts.