(Yicai Global) Dec. 18 -- A technology company based in the southwestern Chinese province of Sichuan yesterday kicked off a project to develop the world's largest commercial drone with a wingspan of 42 meters, a maximum capacity of 20 tons and a maximum flight range of 7,500 kilometers, China Youth Daily reported online.

The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that Sichuan Tengdun Technology Co. is currently working on is the world's largest in development. It has a maximum take-off weight of 45 tons and a maximum service ceiling of 12,000 meters.

The UAV's engine contains module-style compartments, allowing it to install different numbers and different types of turbofan engines as needed. Most parts of its body structure use carbon fiber composite materials to help reduce its weight.

The UAV can be used in air cargo transportation, forest fire fighting, emergency relief and supplies delivery, high-precision remote mapping, commercial space launch, large-scale experiments and other economic fields, the report said.

Sichuan Tengdun Technology focuses on cost-effectiveness in developing the drone and plans to complete its manufacturing in two and a half years' time and let it make its maiden flight by 2020, said an official of the company.