Abstract. This paper analyzes the early Chinese unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) put into operation, which were originally obtained from the USSR in the late 1950s. The development of indigenous UAVs and the establishment of Xi’an ASN Technology Group Co., Ltd. (ASN) are examined. The accumulated experience of UAV development in Chinese universities, as well as collaboration with educational institutions, is discussed. The transition of UAV applications from dynamic flight simulators of conventional aircraft to the transport sector is described. The People’s Republic of China (PRC) is highlighted as achieving remarkable success among the world’s leading aviation powers in the development of civilian heavy cargo UAVs, supported by substantial state backing. The study identifies potential areas for cooperation between the PRC and the Russian Federation in the development of civilian heavy cargo UAVs, including the joint utilization of the SA750U UAV for both cargo delivery and forest fire suppression.

Keywords: unmanned aerial vehicles, internal combustion engine, drones, dynamic flight simulators, technology corporation, helicopter-type UAVs, on-board electronic systems, general design, modeling, testing

For citation: Vashchenko А. N., Grigoriev M. N., Zihan Zhang. Development of civilian heavy cargo UAVs in China: achievements, experience, and prospects for cooperation with Russia. Aerospace Engineering and Technology. 2024. Vol. 2, no. 4, pp. 80–106. DOI 10.52467/2949-401X-2024-2-4-80-106. EDN PJMPVO (In Russian)