The AS500 marine island application environment floating platform has completed its first outdoor levitation test in Jingmen, Central China's Hubei Province.
A view of the AS500 marine island application environment floating platform [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]
Lasted for three months, the test covered various aspects like liftoff height, payload capacity, duration of flight, wind resistance and mission system integration test, with all indicators reaching their target. Next, the platform carrying communication equipment will be demonstrated and verified throughout the full system in South China's Guangdong Province.
The platform is envisioned as a system of tethered balloons with large load weight and strong wind resistance capacity that can continuously stay in the air for half a month.
By carrying broadband communication equipment to high altitudes, the platform establishes a broadband wireless communication network in ocean areas of up to 10,000 square kilometers.
A view of the AS500 marine island application environment floating platform undergoing field testing in Jingmen, Central China's Hubei Province [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]
A subsidiary of Aviation Industry Corporation of China, Ltd. participated in the project and has been responsible for development of the communication platform. The company innovatively carried out various technological investigations into the overall technical layout of the platform, strong wind resistance technology, material structural design and prevention technology against high temperature, humidity, salt spray and strong ultraviolet ray, as well as the modular design and assembly of the equipment.
Researchers from universities and listed companies also contributed to the project.
(Executive editor: Wang Ruoting)
