China’s AS700 Airship Soars in Historic First Ferry Flight

China’s aviation sector just hit a major milestone with the successful first ferry flight of the AS700, a sleek, homegrown civil manned airship. Developed by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), the futuristic aircraft cruised for 106 minutes between Jingmen and Jingzhou cities in Hubei Province, showcasing its potential to redefine air travel and emergency services.

Dubbed a 'floating innovation,' the AS700 boasts a single-capsule design and can carry up to 10 passengers (plus a pilot) at speeds of 100 km/h. With a max range of 700 km and 10-hour endurance, it’s designed for everything from scenic sky tours to critical rescue missions . Talk about multitasking!

AVIC emphasized the airship’s versatility in urban services and sustainable transport. Imagine zipping above traffic jams or surveying disaster zones with zero runway needed. While the tech is still in testing, the AS700 could soon make 'sky cruises' as common as road trips. Buckle up, future travelers!

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China-developed manned airship AS700 completes first ferry flight

cgtn.com