China has shown a jet drone with vertical takeoff — it is faster and freer than conventional ones

Not a quadcopter, but a real jet plane

China unveils a drone that looks like a breakthrough: This is not just a drone with propellers, but a real jet aircraft capable of taking off and landing vertically. Unlike most VTOL vehicles, which use electric rotors and resemble giant quadrocopters, this drone is equipped with a full-fledged jet engine. It changes everything—speed, range, altitude, and versatility.

China can now launch serious attack or reconnaissance drones from ships without requiring long decks or catapults.

How does a drone that takes off like a helicopter and flies like a fighter jet work?

The principle is simple, but technologically complex: at launch, the drone uses deflectable nozzles or additional lifting engines to rise vertically, like a helicopter. As soon as it gains altitude, the main jet engine switches to horizontal mode — and the device moves forward, like a conventional aircraft.

This approach has a huge advantage: the drone quickly gains speed, can fly further and does not lose maneuverability. American counterparts, like the MQ-8 Fire Scout, are limited by propellers and cannot reach high speeds. The Chinese device is in a different league.

Ships no longer need catapults

The most important thing is its strategic importance. Now any ship with a relatively flat deck can become a base for attack drones. You don't need a catapult or a long takeoff. This is especially important for frigates, patrol vessels, and even large paratroopers.

China is actively building a fleet, and such a drone makes it possible to strengthen each unit. Imagine: a ship in the South China Sea releases a drone that rises into the air in a matter of minutes and goes hundreds of kilometers away to conduct reconnaissance, strike or escort a group.

Not only for war — emergency assistance and transportation

In addition to military tasks, such a drone can be used for peaceful purposes. For example, in case of earthquakes or floods, it can be quickly launched from a ship or a temporary site to deliver medicines, communications, or to scout the scale of the disaster.

Its ability to launch without a prepared runway makes it ideal for emergency operations in hard-to-reach areas. It's not just a weapon — it's a universal tool.

Sources: 

1. Realtribune.ru — Beijing Aviation University unveils 45 kg hybrid VTOL jet drone (230 km/h) combining electric lift rotors and turbojet cruise propulsion, designed for naval deck take-off.
2. Vesti.az — unique ship-launched drone with vertical lift and jet cruise mode; enables China to field “mini-carriers” from frigates or destroyers.
3. Maximonline.ru — deep dive on the drone’s architecture, advantages over U.S. XQ-58A Valkyrie, and strategic impact on naval doctrine.
4. BELTA — Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group’s VTOL UAV (2.6 m span, 1.8 m length) demonstrated during Sichuan disaster-relief drills.