China's AVIC Chengdu Sets Record with Hydrogen-Powered Drone's 30-Hour Flight
Key Ideas
  • AVIC Chengdu's hydrogen-powered drone completes a 30-hour continuous flight, showcasing international endurance capabilities.
  • The drone integrates innovative design technology for flight, power, and control systems, demonstrating breakthroughs in hydrogen fuel cell outputs.
  • Utilizes autonomous deployment from an unmanned ground vehicle, operates with electro-optical payload for ground surveillance, and enables real-time data transmission through 5G connectivity.
  • Advances low-altitude economic applications and new business models in green aviation, contributing to the development of the hydrogen aviation sector.
China's AVIC Chengdu, in collaboration with Tsinghua University, has achieved a milestone with its hydrogen-powered drone completing a 30-hour continuous flight. This achievement sets a new domestic record and highlights the international endurance capabilities of Chinese hydrogen-powered drones. The 50-kilogram drone showcases advanced integrated design technology for flight, power, and control systems, leveraging the output characteristics of hydrogen fuel cells. During takeoff, the drone autonomously deployed from an unmanned ground vehicle, creating a UAV+UGV unmanned system that successfully demonstrated its capabilities in non-standard runway conditions. Equipped with an electro-optical payload, the drone effectively conducted ground surveillance. Additionally, the drone utilized a 5G onboard module for real-time data transmission, enabling dynamic remote monitoring. This advancement enriches the low-altitude economic applications of hydrogen-powered drones and paves the way for new business models in green aviation. AVIC Chengdu's exploration of the hydrogen aviation sector signifies a commitment to developing new energy aircraft for sustainable and low-carbon aviation practices, driving innovation and industry growth.
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