China’s first crewed airship – the Xiangyun AS700 – has completed its first low-altitude flight over the mountainous region of Guanling in southwestern Guizhou province, passing a critical airworthiness test, state media reported on Tuesday.Flight data collected during the test verified the airship’s suitability for low-altitude scenarios, state broadcaster CCTV reported, adding that the results would help drive improvements to adapt the airship to a wider range of uses.“The tests lay the groundwork for future deployment in emergency rescue, aerial surveillance and tailored flight-support missions,” CCTV said.The domestically built AS700 flew at an altitude of 1,200 metres (3,937 feet) during the test; however, it had a maximum altitude of 3,100 metres, the state broadcaster said.China’s Xiangyun AS700 crewed airship has completed a crucial flight. Photo: WeiboThe AS700 recorded video of the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, reportedly the world’s highest suspension bridge, which went into service on Sunday, CCTV reported.
China’s AS700 airship completes low-altitude flight in key airworthiness test
Low-altitude flight over southwest Guizhou brings aircraft a step closer to civilian service and defence applications.
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