China’s first independently developed AS700 civil manned airship has been delivered to Guangxi Guilin Ark General Aviation Co., Ltd. in Yangshuo County, located in the picturesque Guilin region of south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The delivery marks a significant milestone in China’s aviation industry, enhancing low-altitude tourism and opening new possibilities for aerial applications.
The AS700 airship, developed by the Special Vehicle Research Institute under the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), is set to transform aerial sightseeing in Yangshuo, a region renowned for its breathtaking, ink-painting-like landscapes. With the capacity to seat ten people, the AS700 boasts a maximum flight range of 700 kilometers and an endurance of up to ten hours. It can reach speeds of 100 kilometers per hour and ascend to altitudes of 3,100 meters.
“Airships have always been part of the Chinese dream,” said Zhou Lei, chief designer of the AS700. “Researchers and aviators have been dedicated to the study of airships. Now, we have the AS700, a modern airship with completely independent intellectual property rights.”
The AS700 is engineered with safety as a priority. Its envelope is made from high-strength, multi-layer composite materials, and the airship is equipped with multiple emergency systems. “Notably, we have designed a thrust-vectoring system that enables the airship to perform short and vertical takeoffs and landings,” Zhou explained. “This technology holds great promise for future applications in flying cars and electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft.”
Jin Tao, deputy head of the AVIC Special Vehicle Research Institute, highlighted the technological advancements represented by the AS700. “The AS700 airship embodies the highest level of technology and development capability in the field of manned airships in China,” he said.
According to Jin, the AS700 is ideal for low-altitude sightseeing and is well-suited for various applications, including aerial advertising, urban security, aerial surveying, and emergency rescue operations. “Eyeing the vast skies of the low-altitude sector, we are exploring more innovative types of airships and application scenarios,” Jin added. “Electric-powered airships, unmanned airships, and other innovative models are in the planning phase.”
The introduction of the AS700 airship is expected to boost the tourism industry in Yangshuo, offering tourists a unique perspective of the region’s natural beauty. It also signifies China’s growing capabilities in aviation technology, particularly in the development of specialized aircraft with independent intellectual property rights.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
