China's groundbreaking achievement in the aviation industry was marked by the successful test flight of the country's first ton-class liquid hydrogen-powered vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) drone in Baoji, Shaanxi province. The test flight, which took place on January 9, highlighted the significant potential of liquid hydrogen in heavy-load aviation applications and its role in advancing China's hydrogen economy. Li Yongxin, the project's technical lead, praised liquid hydrogen as a clean energy source with superior density compared to traditional aviation fuels and batteries, enabling flights that can exceed 1,000 kilometers. The VTOL drone, jointly developed by enterprises from Beijing and Shaanxi, boasts impressive specifications including a payload capacity of 120 to 160 kilograms and a takeoff weight of 1.2 tons. The collaborative effort involved drone specialists from Tsinghua University and liquid hydrogen experts from Xi'an Jiaotong University, emphasizing the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration in cutting-edge technology projects. The expertise contributed to designing efficient hydrogen storage and supply systems as well as fuel cell technology for the drone. This successful test flight signifies a significant step forward in harnessing liquid hydrogen for aviation purposes and showcases China's commitment to innovation and technological advancement in the field of energy. The project's positive outcomes underscore the potential for liquid hydrogen to revolutionize heavy-load aviation and contribute to the country's low-altitude economy. The collaboration between different entities and academic institutions further highlights the importance of shared expertise and research partnerships in driving groundbreaking developments in the aviation sector.