Beijing/Jingmen (Agencies): China’s AS700D electric manned airship successfully completed its maiden flight on Friday, marking a significant breakthrough in the country’s green aviation technology and low-altitude economy sector, according to the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC).
The airship took off vertically in Jingmen, Hubei Province, reaching an altitude of 50 meters before briefly hovering and performing a smooth vertical landing. Pilot Lin Hong described the experience as “lighter and smoother, just like driving a new energy car,” highlighting its quiet operation and enhanced comfort.
Developed by AVIC’s Special Vehicle Research Institute, the AS700D is a fully electric airship, an upgraded version of the AS700, which previously relied on aviation gasoline. The new model incorporates an advanced lithium-battery electric drive system, propeller system, thrust-vector control, and an optimized cooling system, significantly reducing emissions and noise levels.
According to Zhou Lei, chief designer of the AS700D, the airship is particularly suited for operations in environmentally sensitive areas such as nature reserves, as well as large public events like concerts and marathons. It has a maximum flight altitude of 3,100 meters, a top speed of 80 km/h, and can accommodate up to 10 people, including the pilot.
The AS700D’s versatile applications include aerial photography, security monitoring, traffic management, and communication relay services. Its stability and safety also make it ideal for low-altitude tourism, aerial advertising, urban security, and emergency rescue missions.
Zhang Lixian, an official from AVIC, emphasized the importance of green transformation in aviation, stating that the AS700 series and other innovative projects will drive advancements in sustainable aerospace technology.