China's AS700 manned airship, a domestically developed aviation innovation, has achieved a milestone with its inaugural low-altitude flight in Guizhou Province. The test flight, conducted in the plateau region of Guanling at altitudes exceeding 1,000 meters, demonstrated the airship's operational stability and safety in challenging highland conditions.
Technical Breakthroughs and Applications
Equipped with thrust-vector synchronous servo control technology, the AS700 can perform short-distance or vertical takeoffs and landings within a 150-meter diameter area. With a maximum range of 700 km and 10-hour endurance, the airship is positioned to revolutionize sectors like emergency response, aerial monitoring, and tourism. Data collected during the flight will guide future upgrades and operational scaling.
Driving the Low-Altitude Economy
The Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) plans to prioritize the AS700's deployment in southwestern China for low-altitude tourism while expanding its use in transport and exploration. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to establish aviation technology as a catalyst for regional economic growth.
