The DY6 draws inspiration from the CH-47 Chinook helicopter’s tandem-rotor layout, with front and rear propellers synergistically providing lift and thrust. Proven in cargo and troop transport, search and rescue, casualty evacuation, special operations, humanitarian and disaster relief, the CH-47 Chinook is a heavy-lift tandem-rotor helicopter originally developed by American rotorcraft company Vertol and now manufactured by Boeing Defense, Space & Security.
Over 70% of DY6’s 8.3-metre-long fuselage is made of carbon fibre composites. The main structure utilises aircraft aluminium alloys and a titanium alloy reinforced frame, achieving lightweight design while significantly improving structural fatigue life and adapting to high-frequency mission requirements.
Stability in extreme environment
Launched as a true “tonne-class” drone, the DY6 boasts a maximum takeoff weight of 1.5 tonnes, a payload of 250kg and a fully loaded range of 210km. Its spacious central cargo bay, without interference with airflow, serves as a natural cargo platform, making it ideal for large-scale material transport and emergency relief delivery.
The DY6 is equipped with a proprietary flight control system that leverages multi-sensor fusion and real-time data processing for precise control. The aircraft features triple power redundancy, autopilot emergency return, and a fire and explosion suppression system, allowing for stable operation in extreme environment ranging from -40°C to 50°C. Its anti-static coating and China Civil Aviation Administration-approved design further enhance its safety, according to Zhendong Zhifei.
Unlike most eVTOL products, which focus on passenger sightseeing, the Tiankun DY6 is clearly focused on heavy-duty logistics, aiming to address traditional challenges such as island resupply and high-altitude transportation. Zhendong Zhifei says it already secured 50 orders for the aircraft both domestically and internationally. The company is accelerating airworthiness certification and mass production, and deliveries are expected soon.
The Tiankun DY6 is not China’s first foray into heavy-lift drones. In November 2024, Chinese composite solutions provider HRC announced that it helped China’s largest unmanned cargo aircraft, AirWhiteWhale W5000, roll off the production line in Changzhou, Jiangsu province.
Entering the era of e-commerce, “high efficiency” and “low cost” have become the main demands of the modern logistics industry. Driven by industry demand and China’s vigorous development of companies in the low-altitude economy, more and more drones are flying into the air cargo market with great potential, HRC explains. As a representative achievement opening a new chapter in this field, the AirWhiteWhale W5000 has a maximum takeoff weight of 10.8 tonnes, a maximum payload capacity of 5 tonnes, and a commercial flight range of 2,600km. One of the largest cargo drones with the highest cargo efficiency and the best cost, it can realise the mission of same-day air cargo transportation in Chinese cities.
As an important partner, HRC was deeply involved in the design and manufacturing of multiple airframe structural sections, and completed the manufacturing and assembly of most composite airframe structural sections such as the mid-fuselage upper wall panel, rear fuselage rear section and rear cargo door.
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