Recently, a new "air guest" appeared on the horizon in Yuechen, a district of Shaoxing in Zhejiang Province - the Xiangyun AS700 airship, dubbed the "air beluga." It was delivered to the Jian Shui Science and Technology Center and became the first manned AS700 to officially enter Eastern China. Representatives of the Institute of Special Vehicle Research, part of the China Aviation Industry Corporation, noted that this event opens a new chapter in the commercial use of manned airships.
The Potential of Chinese Aviation
The AS700 airship is the result of comprehensive development by the institute and represents the first manned airship in China that meets all national airworthiness requirements. It can carry up to ten passengers over a distance of up to 700 kilometers and has a length of 50 meters. With its streamlined shape resembling a cloud, the airship was named "Xiangyun," which translates to "auspicious cloud."
Developers emphasize that the AS700 can fly at low altitudes at a slow speed, ensuring a high level of safety and reliability.
At altitudes between 100 and 300 meters, the airship offers passengers magnificent views of the picturesque landscapes and waterways of the Jiangnan region. According to experts, this mode of tourism opens new horizons for exploring local attractions that are inaccessible via conventional ground routes.
Preparing for Commercial Flights
In the coming months, the airship will undergo additional test flights in Yuechen in preparation for commercial use. The pilot school is expected to open to the general public next year after obtaining the necessary certifications. As part of the preparation, the first three AS700 pilots are already being trained to provide professional support during future operations.
The main goal of the project is to create a comprehensive industrial chain for manned airships and to form an economic ecosystem for low-altitude aviation. Experts emphasize that technological innovations in this field can stimulate economic growth in regions with low population density and support the development of domestic airship manufacturing.
“Our project is a vivid example of how scientific achievements can be transformed into industrial solutions, opening new horizons for tourism and the economy of China,” said representatives of the institute. This was reported by "Rambler."
Source: news.rambler.ua
