The history of airships can be traced back to the late 18th and 19th centuries, and due to the shortcomings of airships such as flammability (mainly using hydrogen) and slow flight speed, airships were gradually marginalized in the context of rapid development of aircraft performance. In the 70s of the 20th century, with the widespread application of helium and the introduction of new technologies, the safety and practicality of airships have been improved, and they have gradually regained attention in aerial photography, patrol, advertising and other fields.
The "Xianglong" AS700D, a name with auspicious meanings in Chinese culture, recently completed its maiden flight in Jingmen, Hubei Province. It was developed by Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), a giant in the aerospace and defense sector. The AS700D is a major upgrade over its predecessor, the AS700. As China's first manned airship, the AS700 has already caused a sensation in the civil aviation sector when it enters commercial operation in September 2024. And the AS700D is even better.
One of the most striking features of the AS700D is its all-electric drive. Unlike the AS700, which consumes about 45 liters of gasoline per hour, the AS700D runs entirely on a lithium-ion battery. Not only does this make it a near-zero-emission aircraft, but it also significantly reduces noise pollution during flight. As Chief Designer Zhou Lei explained to Xinhua News Agency: "The AS700D's electric propulsion system represents a major leap forward for environmentally friendly aviation. It is a perfect fit for China's commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable development.”
While the AS700D comes at a loss in speed and endurance over the AS700, it offers other advantages that will change the world of low-altitude aviation. The AS700 can fly up to 700 kilometers in 10 hours, while the AS700D has a maximum range of 60 - 70 kilometers and a flight time of 1.5 hours at a top speed of 80 kilometers per hour. However, its shortcomings in long-distance flights are compensated for in stability and ease of operation.
Pictured: China's first all-electric airship made its first successful flight (Source: Six Tone)
During flight, the quality of the battery is constant, which means that take-off and landing are more predictable and easier to control, unlike conventional aircraft where the weight of fuel is constantly changing. This stability makes the AS700D ideal for a wide range of applications. Its advantages are especially prominent in environmentally sensitive areas where there are strict regulations on emissions, such as national parks and nature reserves.
In addition to its environmental benefits, the AS700D has many practical uses. It can be used in aerial photography, providing a unique perspective for filmmakers and cinematographers. During large-scale events such as concerts and marathons, it can be used for security surveillance, traffic control, and even communication relay to ensure that the event runs smoothly and improves safety.
Lin Hong, who served as a pilot on the first flight of the AS700D, shared his experience: "Flying an electric airship is a new experience. It feels light and smooth, much like driving an advanced electric car. The reduction in noise levels not only makes the flight experience more comfortable, but also improves the comfort of passengers on board.”
AVIC has high hopes for the AS700D, believing it will be a key driver of China's booming low-altitude economy. Since the low-altitude economy was included in the national development plan in 2021, many regions across the country have responded positively, setting up pilot areas, encouraging business participation, and improving flight regulations to promote the development of this field.
According to iiMedia Research, from 2022 to 2024, China's low-altitude economy will continue to grow. In 2024 alone, the market size will reach 480.7 billion yuan ($66 billion), and experts predict that this figure could soar to more than 3.5 trillion yuan by 2035. This growth is not only a testament to China's economic strength, but also to its foresight in developing sustainable and innovative transport solutions.
As China continues to ramp up R&D investment in the low-altitude aviation sector, the AS700D is just the beginning. In the future, more electric airships and advanced low-altitude aircraft are being developed, and a more sustainable, efficient and exciting low-altitude transport ecosystem has a bright future.
