QMX50, a large solar-powered near-space unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) independently developed by Aviation Industry Corporation of China, Ltd. (AVIC), completed its maiden flight in Yulin, Northwest China's Shaanxi Province, on Sept 3.
QMX50, a large solar-powered near-space unmanned aerial vehicle completes its maiden flight in Yulin, Northwest China's Shaanxi Province, on Sept 3. [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]
The UAV took off at 5:50 pm and landed safely after a 26-minute flight, performing soundly in all respects.
QMX50 is the first large high-altitude low-speed UAV developed by AVIC with a super-high aspect ratio, a twin-fuselage configuration and the first pure-electric UAV platform completely driven by solar power.
The QMX50 large solar-powered near-space UAV undergoes its maiden flight on Sept 3 in Yulin, Shaanxi. [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]
Relying on highly-efficient, clean, green and environmentally-friendly solar power, the UAV has long flying duration and is able to monitor forest fire and atmospheric environmental.
Its successful flight is a key move by AVIC to support China's "dual carbon" goals of peaking carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060.
(Executive editor: Wang Ruoting)
