Chinese state media have reported the debut of a new vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) drone with a tail-mounted fan configuration, showcased during a disaster relief exercise on a mountain plateau in Sichuan Province.
The drone features a wingspan of 2.6 meters and a height of 1.8 meters. It is powered by a single ducted-fan engine and equipped with a suspension-mounted payload system carrying both infrared and visible-light cameras. According to the South China Morning Post, the drone is capable of vertical takeoff and landing while offering higher horizontal flight speeds than conventional quadcopters.
Designed for rapid response scenarios such as natural disaster recovery and reconnaissance, the drone includes a modular system allowing operators to swap payloads depending on mission needs. This can include cameras, sensors, smoke screen devices, or signal lights for emergency communication.
The system runs on the Wenyao control platform developed by Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group (CAIG). It utilizes artificial intelligence to automate flight planning, obstacle avoidance, and swarm management operations.
Experts have noted striking similarities between the Chinese drone and the US-made V-BAT, developed by Shield AI, particularly the ducted-fan tail design that enables hovering and efficient forward flight.
Despite the resemblance, differences in size and some functional features suggest that the Chinese version is likely an adaptation rather than a direct copy. CAIG, a subsidiary of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), is also the manufacturer of stealth fighters and military drones such as the Wing Loong II.
The unveiling of this drone highlights China’s continued advancements in unmanned aerial technology, particularly in dual-use civilian and military applications, and may signal Beijing’s ambition to match or surpass Western drone capabilities.
