Chinese hydrogen drone Tianmushan-1 broke the world record for longest distance flight by a hydrogen-powered drone, covering 188.605 km in Hangzhou.
HANGZHOU: China has officially entered the global record books for drone innovation, after the hydrogen-powered Tianmushan-1 achieved the longest recorded flight for a hydrogen-fuelled multirotor drone, flying a distance of 188.605 kilometres. The milestone was confirmed by Guinness World Records during the 7th Zhejiang International Intelligent Transportation Industry Expo, held in Hangzhou on December 12, 2025.
The Tianmushan-1 completed its flight on November 16, 2025, sustaining more than four hours of uninterrupted operation while maintaining full system stability throughout. According to Beihang University, which developed the aircraft, the hydrogen-powered drone was monitored in real time during the mission and successfully met all international verification standards.
The drone is part of a new wave of zero-emission aerial vehicles designed to support China’s low-altitude economy and environmental goals. With a wheelbase of 1,600 mm and an empty weight of 19 kg, the aircraft can carry a payload of up to 6 kg and deliver a flight endurance of up to 240 minutes when unloaded. It also functions across extreme temperature conditions ranging from minus 40 to 50 degrees Celsius, making it suitable for a wide range of uses.
The drone was developed at the Tianmushan Laboratory under Beihang University and completed its maiden flight in August 2024. Full-scale production began in April 2025. The record-setting model is designed for tasks such as ecological patrols, pipeline surveys, traffic monitoring, emergency responses, and logistical support in remote areas.
Tianmushan-1 is also capable of Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations over a 100-kilometre range, a key feature for unmanned missions requiring long-range data collection and autonomy. With its record-breaking performance and clean-energy propulsion system, the Tianmushan-1 sets a new global benchmark for hydrogen drone technology and its potential in next-generation smart transport.
