February 17, 2025

China’s Mach-4 Drone: Future of Supersonic Jets

China’s Lingkong Tianxing Technology has revealed a Mach-4 commercial drone prototype, aiming to revolutionize aviation technology and set the stage for a supersonic passenger jet by 2030. The Cuantianhou drone’s first flight is scheduled for next year, marking a major step forward in civilian hypersonic aviation.

Mach-4 Drone

Photo Source: EurAsian Times

Lingkong Tianxing Technology, a Chinese start-up, has made an ambitious leap toward the future of aviation with the unveiling of its Mach-4 commercial drone, the Cuantianhou, or “Soaring Stone Monkey.” This unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) weighs 1.5 tonnes and measures 7 meters in length, and is set to fly for the first time next year. The unveiling of this drone marks a significant milestone in China’s ongoing efforts to adapt military-grade hypersonic technology for civilian applications.

The Cuantianhou is designed to reach Mach 4.2 at an altitude of 20 kilometers, more than double the speed of the Concorde, making it one of the fastest UAVs in existence. The drone is powered by two detonation engines and will be used to lay the groundwork for future supersonic passenger jets, which the company aims to roll out by 2030.

Lingkong Tianxing is also accelerating the development of its supersonic passenger jets. This includes the Yunxing supersonic aircraft, whose test flights have showcased impressive advancements in aerodynamics and heat resistance. The company plans to complete prototype tests of Yunxing by 2026.

The company’s progress highlights China’s competitive edge in the growing global race for hypersonic aviation technology, with other international companies also exploring similar advancements. Lingkong Tianxing’s rapid iteration of UAV prototypes and the ongoing development of its next-generation detonation engines are solidifying the country’s role in shaping the future of high-speed aviation.

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