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.

Published

9 months ago

20 October 2025

AirPro News Team

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

Sikorsky Nomad 100 Completes Initial Flight Tests for DARPA

Sikorsky’s Nomad 100 UAS finishes initial testing under DARPA’s EVADE program, advancing toward multirole mission replication.

Published

1 day ago

23 July 2026

AirPro News Team

Sikorsky has concluded the initial ground and flight testing phase for its Nomad 100 uncrewed aerial system, advancing the platform toward multirole mission replication for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). The Lockheed Martin subsidiary announced the milestone on July 22, 2026, during the Farnborough International Airshow in the United Kingdom.

In a press release issued by Lockheed Martin, the company confirmed the testing supports the Early VTOL Aircraft Demonstration (EVADE) program managed by DARPA. The Nomad 100 represents Sikorsky’s entry into the uncrewed aerial system (UAS) market, utilizing a rotor blown wing architecture designed to combine the vertical lift capabilities of a Helicopters with the speed and endurance of a fixed-wing Military-Aircraft.

Technical specifications and EVADE program integration

The Nomad 100 is classified as a Group 3 UAS and features an 18-foot wingspan. The aircraft is engineered for runway-independent operations, allowing it to deploy from austere forward operating bases, unimproved landing zones, and ship decks. The platform is intended to operate in contested environments, specifically focusing on crewed-uncrewed teaming capabilities.

Under the EVADE program, the Nomad 100 is one of five platforms slated to integrate the MATRIX autonomy suite developed by Sikorsky. Following the completion of these initial tests, Sikorsky plans to transition the aircraft to a government facility for an intensive flight test campaign aimed at replicating complex multirole missions.

Expanding the MATRIX autonomy ecosystem

The advancement of the Nomad 100 follows broader efforts by Sikorsky to deploy its autonomous flight technology across multiple aircraft types. On July 20, 2026, the Manufacturers announced an agreement to integrate the MATRIX autonomy suite into the ALIA MV250 hybrid-vertical-take-off-and-landing (hVTOL) aircraft produced by BETA Technologies.

Sikorsky Vice President and General Manager Rich Benton stated that the ongoing flight testing of the Nomad 100 reflects the commitment of the company to advancing autonomous technology to fill operational gaps.

“Nomad will serve as part of a crewed-uncrewed team complementing missions anywhere from austere forward operating bases to ship decks and unimproved landing zones,” Benton said in the company statement.

AirPro News analysis

We view Sikorsky’s dual announcements at Farnborough as a clear indicator of the company’s strategy to decouple its MATRIX autonomy software from its proprietary hardware. By simultaneously advancing its own Nomad 100 platform for DARPA and integrating MATRIX into third-party aircraft like the BETA ALIA MV250, Sikorsky is positioning its autonomy suite as a universal operating system for next-generation vertical lift. The focus on runway independence and crewed-uncrewed teaming aligns directly with current United States Department of Defense procurement priorities for contested logistics.

Sources: Lockheed Martin (July 22, 2026)

Photo Credit: Lockheed Martin

UAV & Drones

Archer Aviation and Anduril Unveil Dual-Use VTOL Platform

Archer Aviation and Anduril Industries debut Halo and Thunder autonomous VTOL variants at Farnborough Airshow, targeting 2027 first flight.

Published

2 days ago

23 July 2026

AirPro News Team

Archer Aviation and Anduril Industries have jointly unveiled a new dual-use autonomous vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft platform at the Farnborough International Airshow, marking Archer’s strategic expansion beyond passenger air taxis into heavy-payload unpiloted logistics.

In a press release issued on July 22, 2026, Archer announced the commercial variant of the platform, named “Halo,” alongside strategic launch partner Marubeni Aerospace Corporation. This followed the July 20, 2026, debut of the defense variant, “Thunder,” by defense technology company Anduril Industries. The clean-sheet aircraft leverages eight years of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) technology developed for Archer’s Midnight passenger aircraft, adapted specifically for unpiloted cargo, emergency, and military missions.

Engineering and performance specifications

The new platform utilizes a series hybrid-electric powertrain and dual optimum-speed tiltrotors to achieve runway-independent operations. Classified as a Group 5 autonomous aircraft, the design prioritizes heavy payload capacity, extended range, and rapid deployment capabilities. The aircraft is designed to be transported in standard shipping containers, facilitating global logistics and military forward-deployment.

According to reporting by The Air Current, Anduril executives shaped the aircraft’s parameters to carry a payload comparable to an Apache helicopter while maintaining the speed and range of a Bell MV-75 Cheyenne II. The joint venture is targeting 2027 for the first flight of the prototype.

Shane Arnott, Senior Vice President of Maneuver Dominance at Anduril Industries, highlighted the engineering strategy in an interview with Aerospace Global News. Arnott stated that harnessing commercial eVTOL technologies for defense applications is central to how the Thunder variant will deliver operational value, describing the platform as a step change in capability.

Commercial applications and the Marubeni partnership

For the commercial market, Archer’s Halo variant targets logistics and Cargo-Aircraft operations that currently rely on piloted aircraft. Marubeni Aerospace Corporation, a subsidiary of Marubeni Corporation, has signed on as the strategic launch partner to introduce the Halo platform to commercial operators.

“Currently, even in cargo transport operations that do not require onboard crew, flights are conducted with human pilots, absorbing the cost, scheduling constraints and human exposure that come with it,” said Satoru Nakagawa, President and CEO of Marubeni Aerospace Corporation. “Halo’s unmanned, autonomous flight capabilities can address these challenges.”

Archer Founder and CEO Adam Goldstein emphasized the platform’s distinct capabilities compared to the company’s existing passenger models. In the company’s release, Goldstein noted that the partnership with Anduril allowed Archer to build a clean-sheet aircraft in a completely different class of range, speed, and payload, calling it the most sophisticated vertical lift platform ever developed.

AirPro News analysis

We view the introduction of the Halo and Thunder platforms as a critical pivot for Archer Aviation. By diversifying its product line beyond the Midnight passenger eVTOL, Archer is insulating itself against the regulatory and infrastructure delays inherent in launching urban air mobility networks. The Partnerships with Anduril also opens access to lucrative defense contracts, particularly in the wake of the U.S. Army’s cancellation of the Future Attack and Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) program in early 2024. If the joint venture can meet its target of a 2027 First-Flight, the platform could capture significant market share in both military logistics and commercial heavy-lift cargo sectors.

Sources: Archer Aviation

Photo Credit: Archer Aviation

UAV & Drones

Mach Industries Wins DIU Contract for RIMES Maritime UAS

Mach Industries awarded a DIU contract to develop the Atlas hybrid-electric UAS for long-range Navy strike missions.

Published

4 weeks ago

25 June 2026

AirPro News Team

Mach Industries has secured a Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) contract to develop a hybrid-electric unmanned aerial system (UAS) capable of launching 1,000-pound payloads over 1,400 nautical miles from United States Navy vessels lacking traditional flight decks.

Announced in a June 16, 2026, press release, the award positions Mach Industries as the aircraft integrator for the Runway Independent Maritime Expeditionary Strike (RIMES) program. The company is partnering with propulsion developer Whisper Aero to deliver the new aircraft, designated as Atlas. The DIU initially published the RIMES solicitation in February 2026 to address the Navy’s need for long-range strike capabilities from expeditionary locations and smaller surface combatants.

Atlas UAS and JetFoil propulsion specifications

The Atlas UAS utilizes a hybrid-electric design intended to operate from unimproved rotary-wing landing zones while maintaining the control simplicity of a fixed-wing aircraft. According to Mach Industries, the platform requires less than half the thrust-to-weight ratio typically needed for vertical flight.

Whisper Aero is supplying its JetFoil propulsion system for the Atlas. The manufacturer states the JetFoil enables 90 degrees of flow turning at 95 percent efficiency, generating a lift coefficient of 40 at 15 knots.

“We developed JetFoil to propel the next generation of conventional, short, and vertical takeoff and landing aircraft silently and efficiently,” said Mark Moore, Chief Executive Officer of Whisper Aero. “With JetFoil, Atlas can effectively meet the needs of the RIMES mission to operate even from Destroyer class vessels.”

Mach Industries President and Chief Strategy Officer Nathan Diller noted the platform is designed to deliver improvements in mission lethality, logistics footprint, acoustic signature, system safety, and energy efficiency.

Expanding distributed maritime lethality

The RIMES program targets a specific operational gap for the Department of the Navy. The military branch requires systems that can execute long-range strikes using standard munitions without relying on aircraft carriers or land-based runways.

Target vessels for the Atlas system include Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, Littoral Combat Ships, and future FF(X) frigates. Reporting from Breaking Defense indicates this initiative is designed to counter anti-ship weapons in contested environments by distributing heavy munition launch capabilities across a wider array of smaller ships.

DIU Director Owen West emphasized the economic and tactical drivers behind the program.

“We are determined to dramatically lower our cost-per kill, while reducing our risk to force, replacing warfighters with economical fires and robots,” West stated.

The exact financial value of the DIU contract awarded to Mach Industries was not disclosed in the announcement.

AirPro News analysis

We view the RIMES contract award as a clear indicator of the U.S. Navy’s commitment to distributed maritime operations. By enabling destroyers and frigates to launch 1,000-pound payloads over 1,400 nautical miles, the Navy can significantly complicate adversary targeting. The choice of a hybrid-electric platform is particularly notable. While traditional solid-rocket or turbojet boosters are standard for maritime strike missiles, the Atlas UAS approach suggests a prioritization of acoustic stealth and fuel logistics. If Whisper Aero’s JetFoil system meets its stated efficiency metrics in operational testing, it could validate a new propulsion paradigm for heavy-payload expeditionary drones.

Sources: Mach Industries (via PR Newswire)

Photo Credit: Mach Industries