UAV & Drones
China Unveils 60 Ton Ibis Shadow 60 Unmanned Cargo Drone Concept
China presents the Ibis Shadow 60, a 60-ton unmanned cargo drone concept for heavy logistics and tactical airlift roles.
China’s New Frontier: The 60-Ton Ibis Shadow 60 Unmanned Cargo Drone
In a significant display of its advancing aerospace capabilities, China has unveiled a concept model for what is poised to become the world’s largest unmanned cargo drone. Presented at the 7th China Helicopter Exposition in Tianjin, the “Ibis Shadow 60” represents a major leap forward in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology. With a projected take-off weight exceeding 60 tons, this heavy-lift drone signals a strategic shift towards integrating unmanned systems into heavy logistics and tactical airlift roles, potentially reshaping the future of military and civilian cargo transport. The exposition, a state-level international event, attracted nearly 400 enterprises from over 30 countries, underscoring the global interest in the rapid advancements within China’s aviation sector. The Ibis Shadow 60 was a standout exhibit, highlighting a clear trend towards unmanned systems in Chinese aviation and sparking discussions about the future of autonomous logistics.
The development of such a large-scale unmanned Cargo-Aircraft is not merely a technological showcase; it reflects a broader strategic vision. The ability to transport substantial payloads without risking a human crew offers transformative advantages for a range of applications, from military supply chains in contested environments to rapid disaster relief in hazardous zones. By leveraging the proven airframe of the Shaanxi Y-9 military transport aircraft, the developers are taking a pragmatic and relatively low-risk approach to this ambitious project. This move aligns with a global trend where nations are increasingly exploring unmanned solutions to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and minimize human risk in complex logistical scenarios. The Ibis Shadow 60, therefore, is more than just a new piece of hardware; it is a statement of intent and a glimpse into the future of autonomous aerial logistics.
The unveiling of the Ibis Shadow 60 concept is a clear indicator of China’s commitment to becoming a world leader in unmanned systems. This initiative is part of a broader national Strategy to advance its technological capabilities across various sectors, including aviation. The focus on unmanned cargo delivery, in particular, addresses a critical need for more flexible and resilient logistics. As global supply chains become more complex and vulnerable to disruption, the ability to deploy large, unmanned aircraft for rapid transport could provide a significant strategic and economic advantage. The Ibis Shadow 60, while still a concept, represents a pivotal step in this direction, promising to push the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of unmanned aviation.
A Closer Look at the Ibis Shadow 60
The Ibis Shadow 60 is a formidable concept, based on the airframe of the Shaanxi Y-9, a medium-range military transport aircraft. Developed by the Shaanxi Aircraft Corporation, a subsidiary of the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), the unmanned variant has been reconfigured to operate without a cockpit or crew compartments, maximizing its cargo capacity. According to the information displayed at the exposition, the Ibis Shadow 60 is designed for a multitude of roles, including heavy logistics, tactical airlift, and rapid deployment of assets to contested or difficult-to-access environments. This versatility makes it a potentially invaluable asset for both military and humanitarian operations.
The potential capabilities of the Ibis Shadow 60 can be inferred from the specifications of its manned counterpart, the Shaanxi Y-9. The Y-9 has a maximum take-off weight of approximately 65 tons and a maximum payload of 25 tons, with an overload capacity of up to 30 tons. It is powered by four WoJiang WJ-6C turboprop engines, giving it a maximum speed of 660 km/h and a ferry range of 5,700 km. By removing the crew and associated life-support systems, the Ibis Shadow 60 could potentially offer an even greater payload capacity or extended range, making it a highly efficient platform for long-haul cargo transport. While official performance figures for the Ibis Shadow 60 have not yet been released, its foundation on the robust and proven Y-9 airframe provides a strong indication of its potential performance.
The development of the Ibis Shadow 60 is being spearheaded by the Shaanxi Aircraft Corporation, a key player in China’s aviation industry. With a long history of producing transport aircraft, including licensed copies of Soviet-era Antonov planes, the company has a wealth of experience in this domain. Their focus on the Y-8 and its successor, the Y-9, has established them as a leader in medium-lift tactical transport. The move into large-scale unmanned systems with the Ibis Shadow 60 concept signals a significant expansion of their capabilities and a strategic pivot towards the future of aviation. This project not only showcases their technical expertise but also their ambition to be at the forefront of the unmanned revolution.
The conversion of a proven airframe like the Y-9 into an unmanned platform is a logical and relatively low-risk approach to developing such a capability.
Strategic Implications and Future Prospects
The unveiling of the Ibis Shadow 60 is in line with a broader push within China to develop and integrate unmanned systems across all domains of its military. This includes a notable focus on logistics and support, where unmanned platforms can offer significant advantages in terms of cost, risk reduction, and operational flexibility. The ability to move significant amounts of cargo without risking a flight crew could be a game-changer for military operations, particularly in contested environments. The Ibis Shadow 60 could be used to resupply forward operating bases, deploy military vehicles, and even transport other aircraft, all while minimizing the risk to personnel.
While the Ibis Shadow 60 is currently a concept, the development of smaller-scale cargo Drones is already well underway in China. For instance, the HH-100, developed by AVIC, has a payload capacity of 700 kg and is intended for regional logistics and disaster relief. Another example is the Yuyang I, a commercial drone with a 500 kg payload capacity that recently completed its maiden flight. These developments indicate a growing ecosystem of unmanned cargo delivery in China, with the Ibis Shadow 60 representing a far more ambitious and strategically significant leap in capability. This progression from smaller to larger unmanned cargo aircraft demonstrates a clear and deliberate strategy to build a comprehensive and multi-layered autonomous logistics network.
The potential applications of the Ibis Shadow 60 extend beyond the military sphere. In the event of natural disasters, such as earthquakes or floods, the ability to rapidly deliver large quantities of emergency supplies and equipment to affected areas could be life-saving. The drone’s ability to operate in high-risk environments where manned aircraft would be grounded makes it an ideal platform for humanitarian aid missions. As the technology matures, we may also see the Ibis Shadow 60 and similar aircraft being used for Commercial-Aircraft cargo transport, offering a faster and more efficient alternative to traditional shipping methods. The future of logistics is undoubtedly heading towards greater automation, and the Ibis Shadow 60 is a powerful symbol of this transformation.
Concluding Section
The unveiling of the Ibis Shadow 60 concept marks a significant milestone in the evolution of unmanned aerial vehicles. This 60-ton cargo drone, based on the proven Shaanxi Y-9 airframe, represents a bold step forward in China’s ambition to lead the world in unmanned systems technology. By focusing on heavy-lift logistics, the Ibis Shadow 60 addresses a critical need for more efficient, flexible, and resilient supply chains, both for military and civilian applications. The strategic implications of this development are profound, with the potential to reshape the landscape of global logistics and enhance China’s power projection capabilities. As the project moves from concept to reality, it will be closely watched by the international community, heralding a new era in autonomous aviation.
Looking ahead, the Ibis Shadow 60 is just the beginning of what is likely to be a rapid expansion of large-scale unmanned cargo transport. As the technology matures and becomes more widely adopted, we can expect to see a new generation of autonomous aircraft that are even more capable and versatile. The integration of AI and advanced sensor technology will further enhance their operational capabilities, enabling them to perform a wider range of missions with greater autonomy. The journey towards a fully automated logistics network is still in its early stages, but the Ibis Shadow 60 provides a compelling glimpse of what the future holds. It is a future where the sky is no longer the limit, but a new frontier for innovation and progress.
FAQ
Question: What is the Ibis Shadow 60? Answer: The Ibis Shadow 60 is a concept model for a heavy-lift unmanned cargo drone unveiled by China. It is based on the airframe of the Shaanxi Y-9 military transport aircraft and has a projected take-off weight of over 60 tons.
Question: What are the potential applications of the Ibis Shadow 60? Answer: The Ibis Shadow 60 is designed for a variety of roles, including heavy logistics, tactical airlift, rapid deployment of military assets, disaster relief, and emergency supply delivery.
Question: Who is developing the Ibis Shadow 60? Answer: The Ibis Shadow 60 is being developed by the Shaanxi Aircraft Corporation, a subsidiary of the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC).
Sources: Defence Blog
Photo Credit: Weibo
UAV & Drones
French Navy Orders Airbus U010 Aliaca VTOL Drone Variant
France’s DGA converts 7 Aliaca systems to VTOL configuration, enabling French Navy ops on smaller vessels from late 2026.
The French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) has ordered the vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) variant of the Airbus U010 Aliaca drone, converting the final seven systems of an existing 34-system contract to the new configuration.
Announced by Airbus on October 29, 2026, the shift to a VTOL platform eliminates the need for catapult launches and net recoveries. This capability allows the French Navy to deploy the intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) drones on smaller secondary vessels and operate them in rougher sea conditions.
Operational expansion and technical specifications
The French Navy first operated the fixed-wing Aliaca on an offshore patrol vessel in 2019. The original system required a catapult for launch and an automated net for recovery. While effective, this infrastructure limited the types of vessels that could host the drone and restricted operations in heavy seas.
According to French Navy officials, the VTOL capability significantly expands deployment options. Pre-flight preparation takes only a few minutes, and the drone can launch in sea conditions that would have previously prevented a safe net recovery.
Maxime Caille, Director of the U010 Aliaca programme at Airbus Helicopters, noted that adding vertical lift to the existing drone required a new wing design and modified fuselage. The VTOL variant retains the same core autopilot and data link components as the fixed-wing model.
The U010 Aliaca VTOL has a maximum take-off weight of 25 kilograms, a wingspan of 3.6 meters, and a length of 2.2 meters. The 100% electric version offers up to three hours of endurance and a 50-kilometer data link range. A hybrid variant extends endurance to six hours and the operational radius to 100 kilometers. Both versions carry a gyro-stabilized electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor turret with a 30x optical zoom and an Automatic Identification System (AIS) for tracking maritime vessels.
Deployment timeline and fleet integration
Following a trial period conducted between 2024 and 2025, the DGA requested that the final seven systems of the original 34-system order be delivered in the VTOL configuration. Airbus has already delivered 27 fixed-wing systems to the DGA.
Deployment of the VTOL variant will begin on French Navy Metropolitan Support and Assistance Vessels (BSAMs) in late 2026. In 2027, the systems will roll out to Overseas Support and Assistance Vessels (BSAOMs).
The French Navy utilizes the U010 Aliaca, designated as the SMDM in military service, for gathering real-time intelligence during maritime security missions, combating illegal fishing, and monitoring trafficking. Real-time video feeds allow operations rooms to vector interception craft and evaluate target threats.
Airbus UAS consolidation and programme background
The Aliaca drone was originally designed by Survey Copter, a French light tactical drone manufacturer that Airbus acquired in 2011. In October 2025, Airbus Helicopters formally took over the management of Survey Copter’s uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) programs, including the Aliaca and Capa-X lines, to streamline the company’s aerospace offerings.
The U010 Aliaca is a Category 2 tactical UAS certified to SAIL III standards under the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) methodology.
In early October 2026, Airbus demonstrated the platform’s interoperability during the MDays event. The company executed a collaborative crewed-uncrewed teaming scenario featuring the U010 Aliaca, the U030 Flexrotor, and an Airbus H130 helicopter operating in real-world conditions.
AirPro News analysis
The DGA’s decision to convert the remainder of its Aliaca order to the VTOL configuration highlights a broader naval shift away from catapult-and-net recovery systems. While fixed-wing drones offer superior endurance and range, the deck space and structural requirements for launch and recovery equipment restrict them to larger surface combatants. By integrating vertical lift capabilities into a fixed-wing airframe, Airbus provides the French Navy with the endurance necessary for extended maritime patrol while enabling operations from secondary support vessels. We expect this hybrid aerodynamic approach to become the baseline requirement for future shipborne tactical UAS procurements.
Photo Credit: Airbus
UAV & Drones
GA-ASI Opens MQ-9A Remote Split Operation Facility in North Dakota
GA-ASI opens a North Dakota RSO facility for AFRICOM MQ-9A missions, projecting over $10M in annual DoD savings.
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has opened a new Remote Split Operation (RSO) facility near Grand Forks, North Dakota, relocating MQ-9A Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) flight crews from Africa to the continental United States.
The facility, officially opened during an October 30, 2026, ribbon-cutting ceremony, will support U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) missions under a Contractor-Owned, Contractor-Operated (COCO) lease. According to a company press release, the transition to stateside operations is projected to save the U.S. Department of Defense more than $10 million annually while reducing the overseas footprint of contractor personnel.
Transitioning to domestic remote operations
The RSO model allows the physical aircraft to remain deployed in foreign theaters while the flight crews operate the platforms from domestic control stations. This operational shift minimizes the risk to personnel deployed overseas and significantly lowers the logistical costs associated with maintaining forward-deployed crews.
GA-ASI Chief Executive Officer Linden Blue highlighted the dual benefits of the new North Dakota facility during the opening event.
“We’re excited to establish this new facility in North Dakota. Setting up our remote flight operations here in North Dakota will allow us to decrease the number of personnel required overseas, significantly reducing the cost of the COCO to the U.S. government and, more importantly, significantly increase the safety for our personnel. It will also bring approximately 50 well-paying jobs to the Grand Forks community.”
The U.S. military utilizes COCO leases to augment its organic fleet capabilities. Under this arrangement, contractor pilots operate the aircraft on behalf of combatant commands, providing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance data directly to military end-users.
U.S. Senator John Hoeven (R-ND), who worked through the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee to facilitate the project, emphasized the financial and strategic advantages of the relocation.
“General Atomics is moving pilots from Africa to Grand Forks to remotely fly their missions for AFRICOM. Doing so makes perfect sense, and that’s why we worked through the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee to make it happen. This new facility is not only a real cost savings for AFRICOM, which will save more than $10 million per year as pilots operate from Grand Forks rather than overseas, but it also brings a broader intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance portfolio to our state.”
A decade of expansion at the Grand Forks flight center
The new RSO facility is located at GA-ASI’s Flight Test & Training Center (FTTC), situated within the GrandSky UAS Business Park adjacent to Grand Forks Air Force Base. The FTTC began operations on July 18, 2016, established to provide the manufacturer with dedicated airspace and facilities for flight testing, aircraft maintenance, and aircrew training.
The addition of active AFRICOM mission support builds on the company’s extensive history with uncrewed platforms. GA-ASI’s Predator line of Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) has been in operation for 30 years, accumulating more than 9 million total flight hours across various military and government operators.
The MQ-9A Reaper, the primary aircraft supported by the new RSO facility, is a medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) remotely piloted aircraft designed for persistent surveillance and strike capabilities. By operating the MQ-9A from the North Dakota facility, GA-ASI integrates active combatant command support into a site previously focused primarily on testing and training.
AirPro News analysis
The expansion of Remote Split Operations for COCO leases represents a maturation of how the U.S. Department of Defense procures and manages uncrewed intelligence gathering. By decoupling the aircrew from the physical aircraft deployment, combatant commands like AFRICOM can maintain persistent surveillance coverage over vast geographic areas without the political and logistical friction of expanding overseas troop or contractor footprints. This model effectively treats uncrewed aerial surveillance as a managed service, shifting the burden of personnel security and basing infrastructure back to the manufacturer’s domestic facilities.
Photo Credit: General Atomics
UAV & Drones
Saab LoyalEye AEW Radar Flight-Tested on GA-ASI MQ-9B
Saab and GA-ASI successfully flight-tested the LoyalEye radar on an MQ-9B, validating unmanned airborne early warning capability.
Saab AB and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) have successfully flight-tested an unmanned airborne early warning capability by integrating the Saab LoyalEye radar onto an MQ-9B remotely piloted aircraft system. The October 28, 2026 announcement validates the system’s ability to detect, track, and classify airborne targets during a representative operational scenario.
The milestone, detailed in a joint press release, demonstrates the viability of conducting persistent surveillance missions without exposing human aircrews to high-risk environments. The integrated platform is designed to operate either independently or in coordination with manned Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft.
Validating unmanned early warning capabilities
The flight test took place at GA-ASI’s Desert Horizon Flight Operations Facility in Southern California. During the flight, the MQ-9B utilized the LoyalEye radar to perform airborne early warning (AEW) tasks traditionally reserved for manned aircraft. The system successfully demonstrated its capacity to manage airborne targets in a realistic operational environment, proving the concept of unmanned persistent surveillance.
“This flight test marks an important milestone in the development of unmanned airborne early warning capabilities,” said Carl-Johan Bergholm, Head of Saab’s business area Surveillance. “LoyalEye is designed to complement existing AEW&C solutions by providing additional flexibility and persistence, and today’s flight validates the capability in a representative operational scenario.”
David R. Alexander, President of GA-ASI, noted the strong market demand for the integrated system among global operators.
“This has been one of the most highly anticipated flight tests we have performed,” Alexander said. “The level of customer interest in AEW capability on MQ-9B throughout the world is extremely high. It just makes sense.”
The path to the LoyalEye and MQ-9B integration
The successful demonstration follows a multi-year development timeline. Saab and GA-ASI initially announced their partnership to develop an Unmanned Airborne Early Warning (UAEW) solution in 2025. The program advanced to the flight testing stage on May 19, 2026, when the LoyalEye radar sensor completed its first flight on an unmanned aircraft at the Desert Horizon facility. That initial flight marked the beginning of a multi-month evaluation phase that culminated in the October 28, 2026 validation flight.
Saab AB, a Swedish aerospace and defense company employing approximately 31,000 people, designs and manufactures advanced systems across aeronautics, weapons, command and control, sensors, and underwater systems. GA-ASI specializes in the manufacture of remotely piloted aircraft systems, radars, and electro-optic mission systems.
Unmanned AEW capabilities are engineered to surveil large geographic areas, providing persistent coverage in operating environments where endurance and geographic reach are critical. The LoyalEye system is specifically intended to complement existing manned AEW&C solutions, such as the Saab GlobalEye, by adding operational flexibility and persistence to a military’s sensor network.
AirPro News analysis
The integration of AEW capabilities onto a Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) unmanned platform like the MQ-9B represents a structural shift in how Air Forces can deploy surveillance assets. Manned AEW&C platforms are high-value, low-density assets that are expensive to operate and vulnerable in contested airspace. By offloading routine or highly persistent radar coverage to an unmanned system, operators can preserve manned assets for complex battle management tasks. We expect this capability to generate significant interest among nations that already operate the MQ-9B or are looking to expand their maritime and border surveillance networks without the procurement costs of a dedicated manned AEW fleet.
Photo Credit: Saab AB
-
Technology & Innovation4 days agoJoby Aviation Begins eVTOL Flights in Florida Under eIPP
-
Technology & Innovation6 days agoNASA X-59 Reaches Mach 1.53 in First Year of Flight Testing
-
Commercial Aviation6 days agoBoeing 2026 Air Cargo Forecast: Freighter Fleet to Hit 4,010
-
Technology & Innovation4 days agoArcher Aviation and ITA Airways Partner on Italy eVTOL Network
-
Regulations & Safety7 days agoFAA Draft Vertiport Design Standards Remove Weight and Size Limits