It has a maximum take-off weight of 4,150 kilograms, a flight range of 700 kilometers and can stay in the air for up to 10 hours. CGTN reports.
The AS700 was designed and built by the Special Aircraft Research Institute, a subsidiary of AVIC in Jingmen. Research and development began in August 2018 with the main goal of meeting tourists’ demand for sightseeing flights.
In addition, the aircraft is versatile and can perform both short-haul flights and vertical take-offs and landings, making it environmentally friendly, low-carbon, safe and economical.
Airship lands in Guilin after crossing Hunan and making two stops
The AS700 began its journey on Tuesday morning from an airport in Jingmen, Hubei province. It flew over Hunan province, made two stops at local airports and landed safely in Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, on Wednesday afternoon.
The journey lasted 12 hours and 44 minutes, with the airship flying at altitudes between 500 and 1,990 meters and at speeds of 60 to 80 kilometers per hour. The development team focused on testing the airship’s performance, endurance and long-range capabilities.
To determine the aircraft’s suitability for commercial use, additional tests are planned, including passenger comfort tests.
According to AVIC, the inter-provincial ferry flight thoroughly tested the performance of the AS700 as well as the capabilities of the flight crew and support teams to ensure smooth operations both on the ground and in the air.
Commercial use this year, with roles in tourism, mapping and rescue
The AVIC also noted that the civil manned airship has significant potential for China’s growing economy in the low-altitude aviation industry. The AS700 is suitable for a range of applications, including sightseeing flights, emergency rescue, urban security and aerial geophysical surveys, the AVIC said.
