The Qingqibing, a small and medium-sized solar-powered drone developed in China, has made its first flight, CGTN reports. The flight took place on Wednesday, said the 11th Research Institute of CASC, the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. CGTN calls it China's first commercial-grade solar-powered drone.
The drone is 3.2 metres long, has a wingspan of 8 metres and a maximum designed endurance of 30 hours. It runs entirely on solar energy.
It is meant for long-distance pipeline inspection, checks on major water facilities, land surveying and mapping, natural resource surveys, quick reconnaissance after disasters and large-scale monitoring.
Background
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation
State aerospace group
Chinese state aerospace corporation whose 11th Research Institute developed the Qingqibing drone.
