New Delhi, April 3 -- China recently carried out the first successful test flight of the Changying-8 - world's heaviest multi-terrain cargo drone, with the potential for military applications.

State broadcaster CCTV explains, "The CY-8 successfully completed its maiden flight on Tuesday morning at an airport in Zhengzhou in Henan province, central China. It took off after a brief 280-metre (919-foot) taxi and landed after a 30-minute flight."

The test flight confirmed the CY-8's intelligent flight control, avionics, power and fuel systems, as well as its overall flight performance.

Developed by defence contractor China North Industries Group Corporation Limited (Norinco), CY-8 is capable of short take-offs and landings as well as opera...