China’s AS700 Manned Airship Makes Aviation History

In a significant stride for China’s aviation industry, the domestically developed “Xiangyun” AS700 civilian manned airship has officially received the type certificate from the Civil Aviation Authority of China, as reported by domestic media sources.

AS700 Marks a Milestone in Airship Evolution

The issuance of the type certificate signifies the AS700 as the country’s first independently developed manned airship to meet airworthiness specifications, possess complete independent intellectual property rights, and secure the crucial type certificate.

Autonomous Development by Aviation Industry Special Flight Institute

Developed independently by the Aviation Industry Special Flight Institute, a subsidiary of Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), the AS700 has already entered into a delivery contract with a pioneering customer. Additionally, the institute has inked intent-to-purchase agreements with several other clients.

Key Specifications and Features of AS700

The AS700 boasts a maximum takeoff weight of 4150 kilograms, covering a maximum range of 700 kilometers. With a maximum flight duration of 10 hours and a top speed of 100 kilometers per hour, the airship can accommodate up to 10 passengers. Designed and built by the Special Aircraft Research Institute, an AVIC subsidiary in Jingmen, the blimp’s research and development started in August 2018, aiming to meet tourist demand for sightseeing air tours. In addition to sightseeing, the AS700 will also be suitable for a wide variety of operations such as mineral prospecting, marine surveillance, cargo transport and emergency rescue, designers said, estimating that as many as 100 of the craft will be needed to meet market demand in the coming decade.

There will be plenty of space inside the aircraft, which will allow it to have cooking facilities and a washroom. It can also be equipped with high-end appliances or be modified into a luxury vehicle to meet various kinds of market needs, designers said.

The institute has designed a number of manned and unmanned airships since the mid-1980s. However, almost all of them have been small models used to carry scientific equipment to perform experiments or technology demonstrations rather than for tourism.

Innovative Design and Eco-Friendly Attributes

The airship adopts a conventional single-envelope layout, featuring a streamlined gas envelope and an “X”-shaped layout for the rigid tail fins. The landing gear is of the non-retractable single-point type.

The AS700’s innovative design extends beyond its impressive specifications and applications. Equipped with advanced technology and safety features, it promises a reliable and secure travel experience. Additionally, the airship’s eco-friendly attributes, including lower emissions compared to traditional aircraft, align with global efforts towards sustainable aviation. As it soars through the skies, the AS700 not only redefines possibilities in air travel but also stands as a testament to China’s commitment to pioneering advancements with a forward-thinking approach.

Versatile Applications in Various Sectors

Primarily designed with a “one ship, multiple types, series development” approach, the AS700 is a novel soft-type, quasi-balanced airship with complete independent intellectual property rights.

China’s Commitment to Indigenous Aviation Advancements

The AS700 manned airship finds applications in diverse sectors, including aerial tourism, emergency rescue operations, counter-terrorism and stability maintenance, urban security, and aerial reconnaissance.

This achievement reflects China’s commitment to advancing its aviation capabilities through indigenous research and development, opening new possibilities for the future of manned airships in various fields.