AS700: China’s first civilian manned airship passes key endurance test

As part of its revolutionary development of lighter-than-air vehicles, China has successfully completed the flight test of its first indigenously developed civilian manned airship, the AS700. This outstanding achievement was announced on 17 June on the official Weibo page of the China Aviation Industry Corporation.

Rigorous Testing and Endurance

The AS700 has undergone an impressive 552 days of continuous 24-hour testing, which included 12,000 low-cycle strength tests and an incredible 10 million multi-cycle tests. These extensive tests have fully confirmed the unlimited durability of the AS700 screw bushing. This is an important event that ensures that the bushing has sufficient fracture resistance under the required load, setting both the service life limit and the mandatory inspection intervals for the AS700.

Certification and Milestones

Last year, the AS700 received a type certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of China under the number TC0082A-ZN. This certification is a historic moment, as it is the first time a manned airship in China has received such a certificate. The AS700 project, which was approved in June 2018 and launched just two months later in August, is a testament to China’s advanced aerospace capabilities. It is fully indigenously developed in accordance with airworthiness regulations and has fully independent intellectual property rights.

Advanced Design and Features

The AS700 airship is designed according to the traditional single-cylinder design with a streamlined airbag shape, an X-shaped rigid tail and a fixed landing gear with a single landing point. This design not only ensures stability and efficiency, but also integrates advanced design concepts from the aviation industry. The airship is operated by a single pilot, can carry up to nine passengers and boasts a maximum range of 700 kilometres with a flight duration of up to 10 hours.

Versatile Applications

Looking ahead, we can say that the AS700 manned airship will revolutionise various industries. It is designed for aerial tours, providing an unrivalled low-altitude sightseeing experience. In addition, its capabilities extend to emergency rescue operations, counter-terrorism and stability operations, urban security and aerial geophysical exploration. This versatility underscores the AS700’s broad potential for tourism development and critical infrastructure support.

Conclusion

China’s achievement with the AS700 marks a significant leap forward in the field of lighter-than-air aircraft. The successful completion of the rotor hub endurance test not only demonstrates the AS700’s robust construction and durability, but also paves the way for its application in numerous life-support and recreational applications. This airship represents a new era of innovation, promising to make a lasting impact on the future of aviation and beyond.