China's AVIC Marks Fight Flight of Technology Demonstrator Drone

China recently carried out the maiden flight of a demonstrator drone, which can help verify new technologies such as artificial intelligence, loyal wingman and drone swarm.
Developed by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), the Liuxing-260 successfully completed its first flight, AVIC said in a statement released on social media on Thursday.
During the flight, which took place in the desert in Northwest China, the Liuxing-260 high-altitude, high-speed, high-maneuver drone took off from a launcher vehicle, conducted several maneuvers including diving, rolling and circling, before descending to a preset position for a parachute recovery, AVIC said.
Designed as a demonstrator for aviation equipment, the Liuxing-260 drone can switch its nose cone, equipment bay, air intake, engine and payload pylons based on mission needs, allowing it to serve as an aerial test platform for technologies such as new coatings, small engines and seekers, or act as a test participant for advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, loyal wingman and drone swarm, according to the statement.
The new drone will contribute to enhancing test flight efficiency and accelerating the development of new aircraft and aviation equipment, AVIC said.