In a groundbreaking achievement for green aviation, China's AS700D electric manned airship successfully completed its maiden flight on Friday. Announced by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), this milestone marks a significant advancement in the low-altitude economy sector.
The AS700D took to the skies in Jingmen, central China's Hubei Province, performing a vertical takeoff before swiftly ascending to an altitude of 50 meters. After a brief hover, the airship executed a smooth vertical landing, demonstrating its technical maturity and operational stability.
Lin Hong, the pilot of the AS700D's maiden flight, remarked, \"The flight of the electric airship feels lighter and smoother, just like driving new energy cars. It operates quietly, and both the piloting and riding experiences are more comfortable.\"
Developed by AVIC's Special Vehicle Research Institute, the AS700D represents a comprehensive electrification upgrade from its predecessor, the AS700 manned airship, which relied on aviation gasoline. The new airship is powered by an advanced lithium-battery electric drive system, propeller system, thrust-vector control system, and cooling system, replacing the traditional aero-engine and fuel system.
Zhou Lei, chief designer of the AS700D, highlighted the environmental benefits, stating, \"The AS700D airship uses lithium-battery power, marking a major change that allows it to produce near-zero emissions and lower noise levels during flight.\" This innovative approach makes the AS700D ideal for missions in ecologically sensitive areas, nature reserves, and large-scale events such as concerts and marathons.
With a designed maximum flight altitude of 3,100 meters and a top speed of 80 kilometers per hour, the AS700D can accommodate up to 10 people, including the pilot. Its versatile capabilities include aerial photography, security monitoring, traffic command, and communication relay, positioning it as a valuable asset for low-altitude sightseeing, aerial advertising, urban security, and emergency rescue operations.
Zhang Lixian, an official at the AVIC Special Vehicle Research Institute, emphasized the importance of this development, saying, \"With increasing concerns over environmental protection, it is necessary for the aviation industry to undergo a green transformation. We will advance the application of sci-tech achievements in green aviation by cultivating the AS700 series of manned airships and other key projects.\"
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
