China unveils ‘world’s first’ jet-powered vertical landing drone for warships

China has unveiled what it claims to be the world’s first jet-powered vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) drone designed for deployment from warships without the need for runways. Developed over a decade by aerospace engineers at Beihang University starting in 2015, the drone combines small rotors for vertical lift with a turbojet engine for high-speed cruise flight. A patented retractable fairing system encloses the rotors during forward flight, reducing drag by up to 60%, enabling speeds up to 142 mph as demonstrated in tests. The composite airframe, made from advanced carbon fiber materials, is built to withstand harsh maritime conditions and repeated deck landings, while heat shielding protects the drone from jet exhaust temperatures exceeding 1,292°F. This VTOL drone is intended to operate from a variety of Chinese naval vessels—including destroyers, frigates, and amphibious ships—effectively turning them into forward-operating bases capable of launching reconnaissance, electronic warfare, or light strike