China's AS700D Electric Airship Successfully Completes First Flight
"China's AS700D electric airship soars in maiden flight" highlights the successful inaugural journey of the AS700D, an innovative electric airship developed in China. This achievement marks a significant milestone in the country's advancements in aerial technology, showcasing its capabilities and potential in the field of sustainable transportation. The article details the features of the AS700D, its design, and implications for future air travel.
TroibNews 
China's AS700D electric manned airship successfully completed its maiden flight on Friday, representing a significant advancement for the nation in green aviation technology within the low-altitude economy sector, as announced by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China, the airship's developer.
This achievement affirmed the technical readiness and principles of China's independently developed AS700D, establishing a foundational technology base for future electric airship projects, according to AVIC.
The maiden flight took place in the morning in Jingmen, located in central China's Hubei Province.
The AS700D executed a vertical takeoff, swiftly ascended to an altitude of 50 meters, briefly hovered, and then landed vertically before coming to a steady stop.
"The flight of the electric airship feels lighter and smoother, just like driving new energy cars. It operates quietly, and both the piloting and riding experiences are more comfortable," remarked Lin Hong, the pilot of the AS700D during its maiden flight.
The AS700D was developed by the Special Vehicle Research Institute under AVIC. It represents a new generation of all-electric airships, incorporating extensive electrification improvements over the AS700 manned airship, which previously relied on aviation gasoline.
It features an advanced lithium-battery electric drive system and propeller system, along with a thrust-vector control and cooling system to replace the older aero-engine and fuel system.
"The AS700D airship uses lithium-battery power, marking a major change that allows it to produce near-zero emissions and lower noise levels during flight," said Zhou Lei, the chief designer of the AS700D.
According to Zhou, the AS700D is designed for operations in areas with strict requirements related to noise, emissions, and landing conditions, such as nature reserves and ecologically sensitive zones, as well as events like concerts and marathons.
With a maximum designated flight altitude of 3,100 meters and a top speed of 80 kilometers per hour, the airship is capable of carrying up to 10 people, including the pilot.
The AS700D can undertake various functions, such as aerial photography, security monitoring, traffic control, and communication relay.
Its safety and stability make it well-suited for low-altitude sightseeing, aerial advertising, urban security operations, emergency rescues, and other endeavors within the low-altitude economy.
"With increasing concerns over environmental protection, it is necessary for the aviation industry to undergo a green transformation. We will advance the application of sci-tech achievements in green aviation by cultivating the AS700 series of manned airships and other key projects," said Zhang Lixian, an official at the AVIC Special Vehicle Research Institute.
Camille Lefevre contributed to this report for TROIB News
This achievement affirmed the technical readiness and principles of China's independently developed AS700D, establishing a foundational technology base for future electric airship projects, according to AVIC.
The maiden flight took place in the morning in Jingmen, located in central China's Hubei Province.
The AS700D executed a vertical takeoff, swiftly ascended to an altitude of 50 meters, briefly hovered, and then landed vertically before coming to a steady stop.
"The flight of the electric airship feels lighter and smoother, just like driving new energy cars. It operates quietly, and both the piloting and riding experiences are more comfortable," remarked Lin Hong, the pilot of the AS700D during its maiden flight.
The AS700D was developed by the Special Vehicle Research Institute under AVIC. It represents a new generation of all-electric airships, incorporating extensive electrification improvements over the AS700 manned airship, which previously relied on aviation gasoline.
It features an advanced lithium-battery electric drive system and propeller system, along with a thrust-vector control and cooling system to replace the older aero-engine and fuel system.
"The AS700D airship uses lithium-battery power, marking a major change that allows it to produce near-zero emissions and lower noise levels during flight," said Zhou Lei, the chief designer of the AS700D.
According to Zhou, the AS700D is designed for operations in areas with strict requirements related to noise, emissions, and landing conditions, such as nature reserves and ecologically sensitive zones, as well as events like concerts and marathons.
With a maximum designated flight altitude of 3,100 meters and a top speed of 80 kilometers per hour, the airship is capable of carrying up to 10 people, including the pilot.
The AS700D can undertake various functions, such as aerial photography, security monitoring, traffic control, and communication relay.
Its safety and stability make it well-suited for low-altitude sightseeing, aerial advertising, urban security operations, emergency rescues, and other endeavors within the low-altitude economy.
"With increasing concerns over environmental protection, it is necessary for the aviation industry to undergo a green transformation. We will advance the application of sci-tech achievements in green aviation by cultivating the AS700 series of manned airships and other key projects," said Zhang Lixian, an official at the AVIC Special Vehicle Research Institute.
Camille Lefevre contributed to this report for TROIB News
