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The aviation industry accelerates technological innovation to drive the development of China's drone industry.
这里是标题一h1占位文字
Release date:
2024-03-20 14:20
Yang Qunfeng, reporter for China Civil Aviation News and China Civil Aviation Network, reports: On November 28, the "Pillars of a Great Nation Embark on a New Journey" series of state-owned enterprise open-day events for the aviation industry—specifically the "Walking Across the Globe with the Wings of a Great Power" event—was held at AVIC Unmanned Aerial Vehicle headquarters in Zigong, Sichuan. This year’s open day featured the theme "The Dragon Soaring Across the World," attracting more than 20 central and local media outlets to AVIC Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. Through a variety of engaging activities—including on-site tours, flight demonstration tests, and forum discussions—participants gained a comprehensive understanding of China’s advancements in developing cutting-edge, large-scale domestic drones and building a robust unmanned aerial vehicle industry. They also witnessed firsthand the aviation sector’s proactive commitment to advancing the systematic development of domestically produced drone systems and its significant strides toward practical applications of unmanned emergency rescue technologies.
Since 2021, AVIC Unmanned Aerial Vehicles has gradually rolled out production, test flights, delivery, and training operations at the Zigong Aviation Industry Park, now laying the groundwork for an emerging industrial cluster. Currently, AVIC UAV operates two major bases—in Chengdu and Zigong—equipped with a comprehensive drone system manufacturing framework and cutting-edge, advanced IT platforms. The company boasts integrated capabilities in drone design and manufacturing, having established multiple flexible assembly lines that incorporate state-of-the-art information-based systems. As a result, it has become a leading hub for drone research and production in China.
On the morning of the event day, the Wing Loong-2 drone conducted a flight demonstration. This impressive display fully highlighted the Wing Loong-2 UAV system's exceptional capabilities, including fully autonomous takeoff and landing, climb-and-cruise flight, and low-altitude fly-around maneuvers. The Wing Loong-2 is a medium-to-high altitude, long-endurance, multi-purpose unmanned aerial system developed by Aviation Industry Corporation of China. It boasts all-day, all-weather operational performance across diverse terrains and mission scenarios. As China’s first domestically produced large-scale turboprop-powered UAV system, the Wing Loong-2 features an advanced aerodynamic design, robust airframe structure, and cutting-edge onboard systems. Equipped with a high-power propulsion unit, it significantly enhances the drone platform’s overall flight performance, payload capacity, weapon integration, data transmission and control capabilities, as well as its integrated multi-sensor functionality.
The development of the "Wing Loong" series of UAV products, along with the establishment and growth of AVIC Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, represents a collaborative achievement born from the deepening partnership and joint efforts in innovation between the aviation industry and Sichuan Province. It also marks a significant milestone for the aviation sector as it proactively embraces emerging aerospace technology trends, seizes new growth opportunities, and expands into global markets. As a leading provider under the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), specializing in delivering comprehensive, system-based, multi-scenario, and full-lifecycle solutions for unmanned aerial systems, AVIC Unmanned Aerial Vehicles has steadily risen over the past decade to become a pioneer in China’s large-scale fixed-wing drone sector—and the industry leader driving the nation’s broader UAV ecosystem. Guided by the strategic vision of "one platform serving two markets," AVIC Unmanned Aerial Vehicles continues to strengthen its brand presence, actively supporting regional economies and fostering industrial chain development. Today, its innovative applications span across critical areas such as public welfare, social services, scientific research collaboration, and more.
Li Yidong, chief designer of AVIC Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, looked back on the innovative journey of the "Wing Loong" series, sharing insights into its diverse civilian applications and highlighting several key trends shaping the future of commercial drones. He emphasized that over more than a decade of continuous innovation, the Wing Loong family of drones has successfully transitioned from technological breakthroughs and product advancements to broader industrial innovation, establishing a strong Chinese brand in the process and positioning itself as a global competitor alongside leading aerospace nations. Looking ahead, drones are poised to become a powerful driver of high-quality growth across various industries, with vast potential for groundbreaking developments in technology, products, and market expansion.
Zhang Xiaojun, Party Secretary and Chairman of AVIC Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, stated in a media interview that AVIC UAV will be guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. Remaining true to its original aspiration of serving the nation through aviation, AVIC UAV will firmly uphold its mission of building a strong aviation country, keeping in mind the greater interests of the nation. It will continuously strengthen innovation in science and technology, institutional frameworks, and management practices, striving to establish a robust UAV system equipped with cutting-edge capabilities, a fully integrated system architecture, and comprehensive operational strengths. Ultimately, AVIC UAV aims to create an industry ecosystem characterized by outstanding core competencies, a complete product portfolio, seamless open collaboration, and global competitiveness. This ecosystem will drive market growth and industrialization in the field of industrial applications, enabling AVIC UAV to better serve national security, support the Belt and Road Initiative, enhance public welfare, and advance scientific and technological innovation.
(Editor: Li Jiahuan | Proofreader: Chen Hongying | Reviewer: Han Lei)
keywords: Aviation,Drone
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