China starts production of new D18 cargo drone for low-altitude strategic logistics operations
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As reported by Anhui News on June 15, 2025, Wuhu Tengden Aviation Technology Co., Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Sichuan Tengden Sci-Tech Co., Ltd., officially began production at its new final assembly line for the D18, also known as the Twin-Tailed Scorpion D, a large four-engine cargo unmanned aerial vehicle. Located in Wanzhi District of Wuhu, Anhui Province, the company was established with investment from the Wuhu municipal government and Wanzhi District.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
The D18, also referred to as the Twin-Tailed Scorpion D, TB0D, or Shuangweixie D, is based on the TB-001, a military medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) used by the Chinese Army. (Picture source: Weibo/@湾沚区融媒体中心)
This production start represents the national first launch of this specific UAV model, categorized by Tengden as a large-scale, low-cost cargo drone for various applications. The D18 is the result of a UAV development trajectory that includes the earlier TB-001 and TB-001A airframes, and was first tested in flight on October 25, 2022, at Zigong Fengming General Airport in Sichuan. The UAV entered the runway autonomously and completed an 18-minute flight before landing without recorded issues.
The D18, also referred to as the Twin-Tailed Scorpion D, TB0D, or Shuangweixie D, features a wingspan of 20 meters, a fuselage length of 10.5 meters, and a height of 3.1 meters. Its maximum takeoff weight is 4.35 tons, with a maximum payload of 1.8 tons. Its maximum range when fully loaded is over 600 kilometers. The aircraft uses four turbocharged C145HT-VI piston engines developed by Zhongshen Aero Engine, each rated at 105 kW, and equipped for operation in conditions ranging from –55°C to +70°C. These engines are horizontally opposed, four-cylinder, four-stroke designs that incorporate electronic fuel injection. The aircraft’s modular architecture includes a replaceable cargo bay of up to 5 cubic meters and redundancy in onboard systems. It is the first known large commercial UAV to integrate modular cargo technology of this type. Tengden also includes its proprietary autonomous flight software, designed to allow a single operator to simultaneously monitor up to ten aircraft and to provide one-touch launch capabilities. The aircraft uses four engines rotating in the same direction, which introduces asymmetric thrust risk if engines on one side fail simultaneously. Tengden’s flight control software reportedly includes contingency procedures for such events.
On the same day as the production line inauguration, Tengden, together with industry partners, conducted a test flight of the D18 at Wuxuan Airport in Wuhu. This flight was described as a logistics-focused verification of the D18’s air cargo handling capabilities. The aircraft had previously been used to conduct what was described as the first cross-provincial UAV cargo mission in China. On April 29, 2024, a D18 transported a symbolic package from Zigong in Sichuan to Yongchuan District in Chongqing as part of a low-altitude demonstration at the 2024 Chongqing Low-Altitude Flight Consumption Week. After completing the delivery, the UAV returned to Sichuan with items sent in exchange, completing a two-way flight that showcased the aircraft’s logistical application in regional aerial delivery. The aircraft flew the mission in one hour and landed at the destination without incident. This operation, jointly supported by Sichuan and Chongqing officials, was publicized as a symbolic contribution to the development of the Chengdu-Chongqing twin-city economic zone.
Tengden’s commercial UAV production facility in Wuhu is currently under construction in Yongxing Village, Huachiao Town. The site will consolidate assembly, flight testing, and operator training within a single facility. The project’s total investment is 2 billion yuan, and the plant is designed to produce more than 50 fixed-wing UAVs per year. Once completed, it is expected to become one of the largest UAV industrial centers in the Yangtze River Delta, both in terms of production capacity and integrated functionality. Tengden’s stated strategic objective is to build a low-altitude economic ecosystem based on full-spectrum, all-process, all-scenario, all-weather, and all-regional operational capability, referred to internally as a “five-all” strategy. The company’s use cases include logistics, artificial weather regulation, emergency response, aerial surveillance, environmental monitoring, mapping, energy infrastructure inspection, and security operations. These goals are consistent with national policies promoting the expansion of low-altitude economic infrastructure and use cases.
The D18 is based on and developed from the TB-001, a military medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) which first appeared at the 14th China-ASEAN Expo in 2017. The original version used two engines, supported a 2.8-ton MTOW, and was suited to missions such as search and rescue and atmospheric observation. In 2019, Tengden introduced a three-engine version for military surveillance applications, increasing MTOW to 3.2 tons, payload to 1.2 tons, and cruise range to 6,000 kilometers. It was adopted by the People’s Liberation Army Air Force for long-endurance reconnaissance flights. One TB-001 aircraft was involved in a mission in July 2022 that circumnavigated Taiwan via the Miyako Strait and Bashi Channel, triggering a response by Japanese F-15s. The Scorpion D follows this lineage but introduces a larger airframe, a four-engine layout, and a greater internal volume. The platform has also appeared at international defense events such as the Zhuhai Airshow and is considered to be a potential candidate for military adaptation, although the D18 version now in production is configured for civil and commercial operations.
The aircraft’s aerodynamic and structural design is focused on high lift and low-speed efficiency. It uses a high-aspect-ratio straight wing with estimated wing loading of approximately 217.5 kg/m². The wing is equipped with simple flaps and ailerons with estimated differential deflection. The use of tip-mounted winglets aims to reduce vortex drag. The tail features a Pi-shaped layout with a horizontal stabilizer between twin vertical fins. This configuration reduces the impact of propwash and improves pitch and yaw stability. The undercarriage consists of a tricycle retractable landing gear system with oleo-pneumatic shock absorbers. The main gear is located behind the inner engines, sharing structural housing with the nacelles. The forward gear is steerable and likely equipped with a shimmy damper for stability during ground maneuvers. From a structural perspective, the fuselage uses a pear-shaped cross-section common to large transport aircraft. Its geometry accommodates the central wing box and supports torsional strength while maintaining sufficient internal cargo volume. Side-opening cargo doors are used instead of nose-hinged access, limiting the size of cargo but simplifying structural integration.
Tengden has stated that the D18 will serve a role in building an integrated network for medium-range air cargo and aerial services in China’s low-altitude economy. The aircraft is also presented as a platform for future modular upgrades, and although the present model is civilian, historical export of the TB-001 to foreign customers such as Saudi Arabia suggests international adaptation remains a possibility. The four-engine configuration, while structurally demanding and fuel-intensive compared to twin-engine models, allows the platform to distribute lift, manage power loads efficiently, and maintain operational redundancy. This configuration is particularly suited for high-altitude, high-mass payload missions in environments with limited emergency landing options. As of mid-2025, the D18 program remains in its production ramp-up phase, and additional details about procurement volumes, domestic customers, or export intentions have not been disclosed. The aircraft’s development and manufacturing activities continue to be tracked by Chinese provincial and national development authorities as part of broader efforts to stimulate industrial participation in the low-altitude aviation sector.
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As reported by Anhui News on June 15, 2025, Wuhu Tengden Aviation Technology Co., Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Sichuan Tengden Sci-Tech Co., Ltd., officially began production at its new final assembly line for the D18, also known as the Twin-Tailed Scorpion D, a large four-engine cargo unmanned aerial vehicle. Located in Wanzhi District of Wuhu, Anhui Province, the company was established with investment from the Wuhu municipal government and Wanzhi District.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
The D18, also referred to as the Twin-Tailed Scorpion D, TB0D, or Shuangweixie D, is based on the TB-001, a military medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) used by the Chinese Army. (Picture source: Weibo/@湾沚区融媒体中心)
This production start represents the national first launch of this specific UAV model, categorized by Tengden as a large-scale, low-cost cargo drone for various applications. The D18 is the result of a UAV development trajectory that includes the earlier TB-001 and TB-001A airframes, and was first tested in flight on October 25, 2022, at Zigong Fengming General Airport in Sichuan. The UAV entered the runway autonomously and completed an 18-minute flight before landing without recorded issues.
The D18, also referred to as the Twin-Tailed Scorpion D, TB0D, or Shuangweixie D, features a wingspan of 20 meters, a fuselage length of 10.5 meters, and a height of 3.1 meters. Its maximum takeoff weight is 4.35 tons, with a maximum payload of 1.8 tons. Its maximum range when fully loaded is over 600 kilometers. The aircraft uses four turbocharged C145HT-VI piston engines developed by Zhongshen Aero Engine, each rated at 105 kW, and equipped for operation in conditions ranging from –55°C to +70°C. These engines are horizontally opposed, four-cylinder, four-stroke designs that incorporate electronic fuel injection. The aircraft’s modular architecture includes a replaceable cargo bay of up to 5 cubic meters and redundancy in onboard systems. It is the first known large commercial UAV to integrate modular cargo technology of this type. Tengden also includes its proprietary autonomous flight software, designed to allow a single operator to simultaneously monitor up to ten aircraft and to provide one-touch launch capabilities. The aircraft uses four engines rotating in the same direction, which introduces asymmetric thrust risk if engines on one side fail simultaneously. Tengden’s flight control software reportedly includes contingency procedures for such events.
On the same day as the production line inauguration, Tengden, together with industry partners, conducted a test flight of the D18 at Wuxuan Airport in Wuhu. This flight was described as a logistics-focused verification of the D18’s air cargo handling capabilities. The aircraft had previously been used to conduct what was described as the first cross-provincial UAV cargo mission in China. On April 29, 2024, a D18 transported a symbolic package from Zigong in Sichuan to Yongchuan District in Chongqing as part of a low-altitude demonstration at the 2024 Chongqing Low-Altitude Flight Consumption Week. After completing the delivery, the UAV returned to Sichuan with items sent in exchange, completing a two-way flight that showcased the aircraft’s logistical application in regional aerial delivery. The aircraft flew the mission in one hour and landed at the destination without incident. This operation, jointly supported by Sichuan and Chongqing officials, was publicized as a symbolic contribution to the development of the Chengdu-Chongqing twin-city economic zone.
Tengden’s commercial UAV production facility in Wuhu is currently under construction in Yongxing Village, Huachiao Town. The site will consolidate assembly, flight testing, and operator training within a single facility. The project’s total investment is 2 billion yuan, and the plant is designed to produce more than 50 fixed-wing UAVs per year. Once completed, it is expected to become one of the largest UAV industrial centers in the Yangtze River Delta, both in terms of production capacity and integrated functionality. Tengden’s stated strategic objective is to build a low-altitude economic ecosystem based on full-spectrum, all-process, all-scenario, all-weather, and all-regional operational capability, referred to internally as a “five-all” strategy. The company’s use cases include logistics, artificial weather regulation, emergency response, aerial surveillance, environmental monitoring, mapping, energy infrastructure inspection, and security operations. These goals are consistent with national policies promoting the expansion of low-altitude economic infrastructure and use cases.
The D18 is based on and developed from the TB-001, a military medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) which first appeared at the 14th China-ASEAN Expo in 2017. The original version used two engines, supported a 2.8-ton MTOW, and was suited to missions such as search and rescue and atmospheric observation. In 2019, Tengden introduced a three-engine version for military surveillance applications, increasing MTOW to 3.2 tons, payload to 1.2 tons, and cruise range to 6,000 kilometers. It was adopted by the People’s Liberation Army Air Force for long-endurance reconnaissance flights. One TB-001 aircraft was involved in a mission in July 2022 that circumnavigated Taiwan via the Miyako Strait and Bashi Channel, triggering a response by Japanese F-15s. The Scorpion D follows this lineage but introduces a larger airframe, a four-engine layout, and a greater internal volume. The platform has also appeared at international defense events such as the Zhuhai Airshow and is considered to be a potential candidate for military adaptation, although the D18 version now in production is configured for civil and commercial operations.
The aircraft’s aerodynamic and structural design is focused on high lift and low-speed efficiency. It uses a high-aspect-ratio straight wing with estimated wing loading of approximately 217.5 kg/m². The wing is equipped with simple flaps and ailerons with estimated differential deflection. The use of tip-mounted winglets aims to reduce vortex drag. The tail features a Pi-shaped layout with a horizontal stabilizer between twin vertical fins. This configuration reduces the impact of propwash and improves pitch and yaw stability. The undercarriage consists of a tricycle retractable landing gear system with oleo-pneumatic shock absorbers. The main gear is located behind the inner engines, sharing structural housing with the nacelles. The forward gear is steerable and likely equipped with a shimmy damper for stability during ground maneuvers. From a structural perspective, the fuselage uses a pear-shaped cross-section common to large transport aircraft. Its geometry accommodates the central wing box and supports torsional strength while maintaining sufficient internal cargo volume. Side-opening cargo doors are used instead of nose-hinged access, limiting the size of cargo but simplifying structural integration.
Tengden has stated that the D18 will serve a role in building an integrated network for medium-range air cargo and aerial services in China’s low-altitude economy. The aircraft is also presented as a platform for future modular upgrades, and although the present model is civilian, historical export of the TB-001 to foreign customers such as Saudi Arabia suggests international adaptation remains a possibility. The four-engine configuration, while structurally demanding and fuel-intensive compared to twin-engine models, allows the platform to distribute lift, manage power loads efficiently, and maintain operational redundancy. This configuration is particularly suited for high-altitude, high-mass payload missions in environments with limited emergency landing options. As of mid-2025, the D18 program remains in its production ramp-up phase, and additional details about procurement volumes, domestic customers, or export intentions have not been disclosed. The aircraft’s development and manufacturing activities continue to be tracked by Chinese provincial and national development authorities as part of broader efforts to stimulate industrial participation in the low-altitude aviation sector.
