Chinese firm develops world's 1st amphibious sea drone: Report

A Chinese drone-maker has developed the world's first unmanned, amphibious commercial aircraft capable of detecting submarines and delivering goods to islands, state media reported today.
Liu Jiandong, founder and chairman of UVS Intelligence System, a privately-owned drone-maker in Shanghai, said mass production of its U650 seaplane has begun and will enter commercial operation this year with a Chinese express delivery company and a client in Southeast Asia, state-run People's Daily reported.
He declined to name the buyers, citing business confidentiality, but said both contracts had a "considerable value".
"We are working with the domestic client to apply for approval from air traffic management authorities of our plan to open a freight route next year using the amphibious drone," he said.