TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Aerospace Industrial Development Corp. said it is partnering with Thunder Tiger to develop a new medium- to large-sized helicopter drone, the T-400, combining their aerospace manufacturing expertise and drone technology.
AIDC said the two companies have progressed to the T-400's prototype stage. The drone is primarily designed, manufactured, and assembled by Thunder Tiger, while AIDC provides support in areas such as airframe structural analysis, vibration reduction, and thermal management, per CNA. The company added that it will also support mass production.
The T-400 features a main rotor with a diameter of 4 meters and is designed for military and commercial applications, including reconnaissance, long-range logistics transport, deep-sea fishery exploration, and offshore wind turbine inspection. The two companies will continue to work together to enhance the helicopter’s performance and expand its applications.
Thunder Tiger said the T-400 will be equipped with an engine from Austria’s Rotax, which is known for its low fuel consumption and high stability and is widely used in light aircraft. It will have a maximum flight range of 250 km, an endurance of up to six hours, and a maximum payload capacity of 100 kg. The helicopter will also feature an integrated AI-powered system to enhance battlefield capabilities.
AIDC added that the collaboration will support the development of a fully domestic supply chain for unmanned helicopters, spanning from R&D to mass production. The two companies aim to secure the Ministry of National Defense’s unmanned helicopter contracts and to expand their reach in international markets.
The global unmanned helicopter market is projected to grow from NT$69.1 billion (US$2.15 billion) this year to NT$607.6 billion by 2035, primarily driven by increasing defense sector demand.
In September 2024, the economic ministry established the Taiwan Excellence Drone International Business Opportunities Alliance, aiming to integrate key domestic technology providers and expand into overseas markets. AIDC Chair Hu Kai-hung (胡開宏) serves as the alliance's chair, and Thunder Tiger is also a member of the group.
