China unveils 60-ton unmanned cargo aircraft concept
China has unveiled a concept model for what is described as the world’s largest unmanned cargo drone at the 7th China Helicopter Exposition in Tianjin.
The heavy-lift drone, referred to as the Ibis Shadow 60, is based on the airframe of the Shaanxi Y-9 military transport aircraft and features a take-off weight exceeding 60 tons.
The aircraft was presented as part of China’s push to integrate unmanned systems into heavy logistics and tactical airlift roles.
According to the model display, the Ibis Shadow 60 is being designed to carry large payloads including military vehicles, helicopters, and potentially fighter aircraft for rapid deployment or recovery missions in contested or hard-to-access environments.
Chinese media covering the exhibition reported that the drone is a product of Shaanxi Aircraft Corporation, a subsidiary of the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC). The UAV adopts the general structure of the Y-9 transport aircraft, which has been widely used by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) for mid-range airlift operations, but reconfigured without a cockpit or crew compartments.
In its unmanned form, the airframe is expected to support autonomous or remotely piloted missions involving heavy cargo transport. The large internal volume and high payload capacity make it suitable for transporting armored vehicles, ground-based systems, or large containers between operational theaters, particularly in support of PLA joint logistics efforts.
No official performance figures were released at the exposition, but observers note that the platform is likely intended to fill an emerging requirement for unmanned heavy-lift capabilities. The concept aligns with broader trends in Chinese defense innovation, where unmanned and optionally piloted platforms are being proposed across multiple domains, including fixed-wing aircraft, rotorcraft, and ground vehicles.
As noted by exhibition materials, the Ibis Shadow 60 could also support missions involving emergency equipment delivery, disaster relief, or forward operating base resupply where conventional manned aircraft would face elevated risk.
