HAINAN: A large cargo drone successfully completed its maiden cross-sea flight between Hainan and Guangdong provinces, transporting 455 kilograms of shrimp plant seedlings in less than three hours. The flight, operated by the FP-98, China’s first large-scale fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle, showcased the potential of drones in enhancing public cargo logistics and boosting the low-altitude economy.
According to a report by China Daily, the utilization of the cargo drone resulted in substantial reductions in transportation duration, expenses, and seedling loss when contrasted with conventional terrestrial methods. The FP-98, outfitted with the sophisticated BeiDou III integrated management platform, is engineered to function effectively in adverse weather conditions and across temperatures spanning from -40°C to 55°C.
Hainan Aerospace City Industrial Investment Holding aims to strengthen connections between Hainan and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and Beibu Gulf, focusing on implementing c
onsistent transportation services for high value-added agricultural products from Hainan.
China’s low-altitude economy, which revolves around the utilization of civilian manned and unmanned aircraft for various low-altitude flight activities, surpassed 500 billion yuan ($69 billion) in 2023. Hainan has been at the forefront of low-altitude airspace management reform in China, with over 300 flyable days each year and a comprehensive low-altitude management system in place.
China General Aviation Holdings plans to deploy 300 drones in Hainan for applications including logistics and tourism, establishing a one-hour economic circle for drones across the entire island. The successful cargo drone flight is expected to inject new vitality into the low-altitude economic development between Hainan and other regions.
Source: Emirates News Agency