AVIC TP500

History of the AVIC TP500

The AVIC TP500 is a cargo drone designed for long-distance transportation, catering to both military and civilian markets. This drone, developed in collaboration between the Aviation Industry Design Institute of China (AVIC) and Yitong UAV System Company, offers a cost-effective solution for a variety of missions. It features a straightforward design with low-mounted wings, a vertical stabilizer, and a single horizontal plane. The TP500 can carry payloads of up to 500 kg and has a maximum takeoff weight of 1.4 tons. Its maiden flight took place in June, showcasing its potential for various tasks, including search and rescue, airborne communication relay, mapping, and, most notably, cargo transportation.

This cargo drone is designed to meet Civil Aviation Administration guidelines, making it suitable for civilian applications, such as the growing e-commerce sector in China. It's constructed with composite materials, which provide the necessary strength while keeping the weight manageable. The TP500 represents a significant advancement in cargo transportation, offering a versatile and efficient solution for both military and civilian needs.

Specification

Basics

Years in Service: 2024

Origins: China

Status: Program is running.

Crew: 0

Production: 1

Manufacturer: Aviation Industry Design and Research Institute of China (AVIC) / Yitong UAV System Company, Ltd China

Roles

Close Air Support (CAS)

Designed to operate near active ground elements with a wide range of air-to-surface weapon and ammunition options.

Special Mission: Search and Rescue (SAR)

Ability to locate and evacuate personnel from potentially hazardous or dangerous areas, such as downed pilots at sea.

Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR), reconnaissance

Monitor ground targets/target areas to assess surrounding threat levels, enemy strength, or enemy movement.

Unmanned

Aircraft designed (or later developed) have inherent unmanned capabilities and can fill a variety of battlefield roles.

Notable Features

Radar Capability

Houses may house (via specialized variants) radars for searching, tracking, and attacking enemy elements.

Sturdy aircraft frame

The inherent ability of the airframe to take significant damage.

Inner bay

Hull volume includes space for internal weapons or special mission equipment.

Extended range performance

Ability to travel long distances using on-board fuel supplies.

Operation Lakes

Able to operate over the ocean and survive certain harsh marine environments.

Extended Access

The design includes features to facilitate loading/unloading of cargo/people from the aircraft.

Unmanned operation

The design features the ability to fly without a pilot, with actions controlled by onboard programming and/or ground operators.

Camera equipment

Payload supports photographic devices that provide still and/or live image/video results.

Dimensions and Weight

Length: 36. 0 feet (10.97m)

Width/span: 36. 1 ft (11.00m)

Cured weight: 1,433 lbs (650kg)

MTOW: 2,866 lbs (1,300 kg)

Wgt Difference: +1,433 lbs (+650 kg)

MAINPLANE STRUCTURE

Monoplane

Designed to use a single main wing main aircraft; this is the most popular arrangement of main aircraft.

Install low

The main aircraft is mounted low on the side of the fuselage.

Straight

The planform involves use of basic, straight mainplane members.

PERFORMANCE

Installed: 1 x Engine driving three-bladed propeller in conventional puller/tractor arrangement.