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Lingkong Tianxing Technology, a Chinese start-up, is making waves in the field of supersonic aviation with the unveiling of its Cuantianhou drone, designed to reach speeds of Mach 4.2—four times the speed of sound. Named “Soaring Stone Monkey,” the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was introduced at a recent press conference, and marks a key milestone in adapting military-grade hypersonic technology for civilian applications.
The Cuantianhou is part of a broader initiative by Lingkong Tianxing to revolutionize the aviation industry. According to Interesting Engineering, Chinese news outlets report that the company aims to eventually develop a supersonic passenger jet, with plans to test a prototype by 2030. The drone, weighing 1.5 tonnes and measuring seven meters in length, is powered by two advanced detonation engines.
The Cuantianhou is designed to reach an altitude of 20 kilometers, and showcased impressive fuel efficiency. According SCMP, during recent trials, the drone demonstrated an ability to accelerate from Mach 3.3 to Mach 4.1, and covered 50 kilometers while consuming just 6 kilograms of fuel. The drone’s aerodynamics were optimized for efficiency, including adjustments to its angle of attack and the removal of the front canard, which helped streamline its performance.
Lingkong Tianxing’s innovations go beyond the Cuantianhou. The company has made notable strides in developing next-generation supersonic aircraft, such as the Yunxing, which is expected to fly its full prototype by 2026, ahead of the original schedule. The company also introduced a new Jindou-400S detonation engine, which boasts improved thrust, reduced weight, and enhanced fuel efficiency.
While supersonic aviation technology has long been a military domain, Lingkong Tianxing’s efforts signal a growing trend in adapting this technology for commercial use, placing China at the forefront of the global supersonic race. As the company continues to refine its UAVs and supersonic aircraft, it poses increasing competition to other international efforts in the field, with the promise of revolutionizing both military and civilian flight.
