China’s AS700D electric airship has soared into the skies for the first time, marking a significant leap forward in green aviation technology.
On Friday morning, the AS700D completed its successful maiden flight in Jingmen, located in central China’s Hubei Province. Developed by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), this electric airship represents a major breakthrough in environmentally friendly aviation within the low-altitude economy sector.
The AS700D performed a vertical takeoff, swiftly climbing to an altitude of 50 meters. After hovering briefly, it made a smooth vertical landing. Lin Hong, the pilot of the maiden flight, shared his experience, saying, “Flying the electric airship feels lighter and smoother, much like driving a new energy car. It operates quietly, making both piloting and riding more comfortable.”
This innovative airship is an all-electric upgrade of the earlier AS700, which ran on aviation gasoline. The AS700D utilizes an advanced lithium-battery electric drive system, along with a propeller system, thrust-vector control system, and cooling system, replacing the old aero-engine and fuel system. According to Zhou Lei, the chief designer of the AS700D, “Using lithium-battery power allows the airship to produce near-zero emissions and lower noise levels during flight.”
The AS700D has a designed maximum flight altitude of 3,100 meters and can reach speeds up to 80 kilometers per hour. It can carry up to 10 people, including the pilot, making it suitable for a variety of missions. These include aerial photography, security monitoring, traffic command, communication relay, low-altitude sightseeing, aerial advertising, urban security, and emergency rescue operations.
“With increasing concerns over environmental protection, it’s essential for the aviation industry to undergo a green transformation,” said Zhang Lixian, an official at the AVIC Special Vehicle Research Institute. “We will advance the application of scientific and technological achievements in green aviation by developing the AS700 series of manned airships and other key projects.”
The successful maiden flight of the AS700D not only demonstrates China’s advancements in green aviation technology but also paves the way for future developments in eco-friendly air travel. This achievement reflects a growing global emphasis on sustainable practices within the aviation sector.
