REVEALED: Plans to build world's largest 45-tonne SUPER DRONE with 42-metre wingspan

A FIRM has revealed it plans to build the world's largest drone which will dwarf the current record holder.

By Rory McKeown / Published 21st December 2017

The new super-drone will have a 42-metre wingspan and 45-tonne take-off
weight.

The take-off weight refers to the craft and its maximum payload combined, and the current biggest drone's best is 3.4 tn.

Sichuan Tengdun Technology in China plans to fly the craft on its maiden voyage in 2020.

It will be made of lightweight yet tough carbon fibre and have a range of up to 4,660 miles.

Its manufacturer says the drone could be used by emergency services for missions such as forest fire control as well as commercial deliveries of
goods.

The superdrone is yet to be given a name AWR

BEAST: The drone will weigh 45 tonnes and have a range of 4,660 miles

China's solar-powered drone named Rainbow AWR

RAINBOW: China's solar-powered drone carried out a test flight in May

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The project has not yet been given an official name.

It comes as China invests heavily in making drones as well as researching how to make bigger and better ones.

A solar-powered drone named Rainbow carried out a test flight in May that took it 12 miles high.

And the current heaviest unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) the AT200, which weighs 1.9 tn and can carry a further 1.5 tn, was tested successfully in October.

The AT200 flew for 26 minutes but it was not clear whether it was fully laden.

Chinese media report that the drone industry in Chine is predicted to grow to an annual £8.48 billion in the next eight years.