In a remarkable feat of engineering, the AS700, China's independently developed civil manned airship, completed its inaugural ferry flight in central China's Hubei Province on Saturday. Developed by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), the country's leading aircraft manufacturer, the AS700 marks a significant milestone in China's aviation advancements.
The airship took off from Jingmen City at 7:04 a.m. Beijing Time, embarking on a 106-minute journey to Jingzhou City. The flight was smooth, showcasing the airship's reliability and performance. After a brief stay in Jingzhou, the AS700 returned to Jingmen, successfully completing its first ferry flight.
Designed with a single-capsule structure and equipped with a single-point landing gear, the AS700 is poised to serve various applications, including air touring, emergency rescue, and urban services. The airship boasts impressive specifications: a maximum takeoff weight of 4,150 kilograms, a flight range of up to 700 kilometers, and an endurance of 10 hours. It can comfortably carry up to 10 people, including one pilot, and achieves a top speed of 100 kilometers per hour.
With its successful initial flight, the AS700 is expected to meet growing demands in multiple sectors, offering a versatile and efficient mode of transportation. As China continues to push the boundaries of aerospace technology, the AS700 stands out as a testament to innovation and strategic development in the region.
Reference(s):
China-developed manned airship AS700 completes first ferry flight
cgtn.com
