Exciting news from the skies of central China! 🇨🇳 The innovative AS700 civil manned airship has successfully completed its first demonstration flight, marking a significant milestone in the country's low-altitude tourism sector.
🚀 Launching from Zhanghe Airport in Jingmen City, Hubei Province, the AS700 soared gracefully for nearly two hours, offering passengers breathtaking aerial views of local parks, a picturesque river island, and other popular scenic spots. Traveling at 60 kilometers per hour and maintaining an altitude of 500 meters, the airship provided a unique and serene experience through its large panoramic side windows.
Developed by the AVIC Special Vehicle Research Institute, the AS700 is a single-capsule airship designed to accommodate up to 10 people, including a pilot. With a maximum take-off weight of 4,150 kilograms and a flight range of 700 kilometers, the AS700 boasts impressive endurance of up to 10 hours. Its ability to conduct vertical take-off and landing in narrow fields makes it more mobile and flexible compared to traditional airships.
Last December, the AS700 earned the type certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). The first unit is set to be delivered by the end of this year, with the manufacturer already securing letters of intent for 20 units from various buyers, according to Du Wei, the project manager of the AS700 civil manned airship.
🌟 This groundbreaking development is set to transform the tourism landscape, offering adventurous travelers a new way to explore and experience the beauty of China's scenic destinations from above. Stay tuned to NewspaperAmigo.com for more updates on this exciting journey!
