Chinese aerospace engineers have developed what they describe as the world’s first high-speed vertical take-off and landing drone powered by a jet engine, a design that could expand naval aviation capabilities.

The new, uncrewed aircraft can take off from the decks of ordinary warships, even in rough seas, and transition into fast, long-range cruise flight, which researchers said could turn destroyers, frigates and amphibious vessels into small aircraft carriers, reports The South China Morning Post on Friday. 

Unlike the U.S. Air Force’s XQ-58A Valkyrie, which needs long runways or carriers, the Chinese design combines Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) capability with jet-powered speed in a single airframe.

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