In recent years, China has made big steps forward in weather science. One important success is the “Haiyan” drone. Developed by the China Aviation Industry Group (AVIC), this unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has become a key tool for helping to predict typhoons better.
The Haiyan series has two main kinds of drones. The Haiyan I is built on the Wing Loong-10 platform. It is a jet-powered drone that can fly very high — up to 14 kilometers — and very fast. The Haiyan II, on the other hand, uses the Wing Loong-2 body and is made for long-time flight. It can stay in the air for more than ten hours, which makes it perfect for observing large weather systems over long periods.
These drones gather air information from areas that are hard or unsafe for humans to reach. They carry a modern dropsonde system. While flying, the drone releases small sensors with parachutes (降落伞). As the sensors fall, they measure temperature, air pressure, humidity, wind speed, and direction. The data is sent back to the drone immediately and then to scientists on the ground. This gives a clear 3D picture of the air inside weather systems such as typhoons.
The Haiyan drones have already proven useful. For example, in June 2025, the Haiyan I flew at 11,000 meters to study Typhoon “Butterfly”, breaking a record. Besides typhoons, the Haiyan II has also been used to watch other complex weather, like the Northeast Cold Vortex, and to offer weather support for major events such as the 2025 World Games.
Before these drones, scientists mostly used satellites to study typhoons over the ocean. Satellites are helpful, but they can’t collect detailed vertical information about the air. The Haiyan drone meets this need. It works like an “air scout” that flies near typhoons. The data it gathers is used in computer models at research centers, making better predictions about a typhoon’s path, strength, and rainfall. Better forecasts let people get ready earlier and stay safe.
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