China Delivers First Independently Developed AS700 Manned Airship

Guilin, The Gulf Observer: In a milestone for China’s aviation industry, the country’s first independently developed AS700 civil manned airship was delivered to Guangxi Guilin Ark General Aviation Co., Ltd. on Saturday in Yangshuo County, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Developed by the Special Vehicle Research Institute under the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), the airship will be used for aerial sightseeing, offering stunning views of Yangshuo’s renowned natural landscapes.

The AS700 airship, which seats 10 passengers, boasts a maximum flight range of 700 kilometers and a flight endurance of 10 hours. It has a designed maximum speed of 100 kilometers per hour and can reach altitudes of up to 3,100 meters.

Zhou Lei, the chief designer of the AS700, emphasized the significance of this achievement, noting that the airship is a result of years of dedication by Chinese researchers and aviators, with completely independent intellectual property rights. “Airships have always been a dream for the Chinese, and now we have the AS700, a modern and safe vehicle designed with high-strength, multi-layer composite materials and advanced emergency measures,” Zhou said.

A notable feature of the AS700 is its thrust-vectored system, enabling short and vertical takeoff and landing, a technology that could also be applied to future flying cars and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

Jin Tao, deputy head of the AVIC Special Vehicle Research Institute, highlighted the technological advancements represented by the AS700, stating that it marks the highest level of development in manned airships in China. Jin also emphasized the airship’s suitability for low-altitude sightseeing and various other applications, including aerial advertising, urban security, surveying, and emergency rescue.

Looking ahead, Jin revealed plans for further innovations, including electric-powered and unmanned airships, signaling an ambitious future for China’s low-altitude aviation sector.