On January 9, China achieved a significant milestone with the successful maiden test flight of its first ton-class liquid hydrogen-powered vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) drone in Baoji, Shaanxi province. The test flight not only marked a technological advancement but also highlighted the potential of liquid hydrogen in heavy-load aviation and its relevance to China's hydrogen and low-altitude economy. The project's technical lead, Li Yongxin, emphasized the clean energy aspects of liquid hydrogen, pointing out its high density that surpasses traditional aviation fuels and batteries, enabling longer flights exceeding 1,000 kilometers. The collaborative effort between three enterprises from Beijing and Shaanxi led to the development of a drone with a payload capacity of 120 to 160 kilograms and a takeoff weight of 1.2 tons. Furthermore, experts from Tsinghua University and Xi'an Jiaotong University played crucial roles in designing the hydrogen storage and supply system, as well as fuel cell technology for the drone. This successful test flight signifies a step forward in advancing drone technology, showcasing the potential of clean energy sources like liquid hydrogen in aviation innovation.