🚀 Up, up, and away! China's homegrown AS700 manned airship just made its first demo flight, and it's set to change the game for low-altitude tourism. On Thursday, the AS700 took off from Zhanghe Airport in Jingmen City, Hubei Province, offering a sneak peek into the future of sightseeing from the sky. 🌅
Aboard this massive airship, passengers enjoyed breathtaking aerial views of local parks, river islands, and scenic spots across the city through panoramic windows. The flight lasted nearly two hours, cruising at a chill 60 km/h and hovering at an altitude of 500 meters. Talk about a ride to remember! 😍
Developed by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) Special Vehicle Research Institute, the AS700 is no ordinary airship. It's a single-capsule beauty that can carry up to 10 people, including the pilot. With a max take-off weight of 4,150 kg, it boasts a flight range of 700 km and can stay airborne for up to 10 hours. Plus, it can take off and land vertically in tight spaces, making it super flexible and mobile. 🎈
The AS700 received its type certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) last December. The first units are set for delivery by the end of this year, and there's already buzz with letters of intent for 20 airships from eager buyers. According to Du Wei, the project manager, this is just the beginning of a new era in aerial tourism. ✨
Whether you're an adventure seeker or just looking for a new way to see the world, the AS700 might just be your ticket to the skies! 🌍✈️
Reference(s):
China's AS700 manned airship completes first low-altitude demo flight
cgtn.com
