(More) China Low-Altitude News You Might Not Have Heard Of
News from EVT Aerotechnics, Hangyi Technology, China Post, Liaoning General Aviation Academy, Shanhe Huayu Aviation Technology, and Tianjin Port Free Trade Zone.
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Seven Second Summary
2024 Shenzhen eVTOL Conference to Showcase Latest in Urban Air Mobility
EVT Aerotechnics ET9 eVTOL Completes Successful Cargo Flight and Wing Strength Tests
Hangyi Technology's HW-600H Drone Demonstrates Precision BVLOS Cargo Delivery Capability
China Post Aviation Hub Project Launched with Over 10 Billion RMB Investment
Four-passenger RX4E eSTOL Inches Closer to Certification
China’s Largest Domestic Cargo Drone, SA750U, Completes Successful Maiden Flight
Tianjin Port Free Trade Zone Unveils Low-Altitude Economy Action Plan and Signs 12 Key Projects
2024 Shenzhen eVTOL Conference to Showcase Latest in Urban Air Mobility
August 27: The 2024 Shenzhen eVTOL Industry Development Conference and Low-Altitude Economy Exhibition, hosted by the Shanghai Aviation Society and Guangdong Aerospace Association, will take place from September 23-25, 2024, at the Yanzi Lake International Exhibition Center in Pingshan, Shenzhen. The event aims to advance the low-altitude economy, explore new industry opportunities, and bolster economic growth.
The exhibition will follow a "two-day forum and thirteen-day exhibition" format, concentrating on urban air mobility, crewed and uncrewed civil aircraft, and urban low-altitude logistics.
The conference will feature a main forum and four sub-forums covering low-altitude economy, avionics systems, aerodynamic designs, and power systems. More than 200 exhibitors will present eVTOL aircraft, application scenarios, propulsion systems, avionics, materials, and other advanced technologies across over 10,000 square meters of space.
Exhibitors will include domestic and international eVTOL manufacturers such as EHang, AutoFlight, EVT Aerotechnics, Xpeng AeroHT, (XPeng Huitian), Shandong Shangfei Aviation Technology Co., Ltd., (Want2fly), Beifei Zhihang (Zhejiang) Technology Co., Ltd., Zhuhai Sky Express Co., Ltd., and Shenzhen New Dimension International Supply Chain Co., Ltd.
Over 2,000 participants are expected, including industry experts, government officials, and key stakeholders.
EVT Aerotechnics ET9 eVTOL Completes Successful Cargo Flight and Wing Strength Tests
Video: EVT Aerotechnics
August 27: EVT Aerotechnics has announced that its 2-ton ET9 prototype has successfully completed a cargo-carrying multirotor flight at the company's Xuzhou test base.
The aircraft, which carried over 300 kilograms of cargo, performed takeoffs and landings between two points, validating its power system and flight parameters. The milestone sets the stage for future transition flights.
In seperate news, the ET9 recently completed maximum positive and negative overload wing static tests at the Jingmen base of the China Special Aircraft Research Institute (中国特种飞行器研究所).
The flight test campaign evaluated the strength and stiffness of the wing and its connections under aerodynamic, inertial, and electric thrust loads, simulating expected flight maneuvers and gust conditions. They confirmed the accuracy of design and simulation, clarified structural load paths, and demonstrated compliance with airworthiness standards for load, strength, and deformation.
The tests involved applying both maximum positive and negative overloads to validate the wing's load-bearing capacity.
Hangyi Technology's HW-600H Drone Demonstrates Precision BVLOS Cargo Delivery Capability
According to the company, the HW-600H is the only drone in China to have successfully completed the test with a payload exceeding 100 kg. Video: Hangyi Technology.
August 27: Hangyi Technology announced that it has successfully demonstrated its HW-600H uncrewed helicopter's cargo delivery capabilities in a recent Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) test conducted in Laiwu, Shandong.
The HW-600H transported 111.15 kg of rescue supplies from Laiwu Xueye General Airport over a 10 km BVLOS flight. The helicopter displayed stable flight and precise control, delivering the cargo within 1 meter of the target location. Post-delivery, the hook released automatically, ensuring that the supplies arrived undamaged.
The successful test validates the HW-600H's performance in BVLOS operations and high-load emergency rescue delivery, offering valuable insights for future unmanned cargo transport applications.
Key HW-600H Technologies according to the company:
Autonomous Navigation: The HW-600H employs onboard image transmission, high-precision mapping, and path planning for autonomous navigation and obstacle avoidance. Its advanced flight control algorithms and sensor fusion guarantee stable operation in complex environments.
Reliable Communication: The helicopter is equipped with high-performance satellite communication, ensuring a stable and high-speed data link with the command center. This setup provides seamless communication and real-time updates throughout the mission.
Relay Drone Network: Strategic deployment of relay drones enhances signal transmission and coordination, supporting reliable BVLOS cargo delivery and maintaining effective communication.
China Post Aviation Hub Project Launched with Over 10 Billion RMB Investment
August 26: The Henan Provincial Government and China Post Group have signed a major cooperation agreement, officially launching the China Post Aviation Hub project.
Located in the Zhengzhou Airport Economic Zone near Zhengzhou Airport High-Speed Railway Station, the hub is set to become a global center for international postal and express delivery. It will integrate aviation, land transport, domestic and international services, and warehousing.
Covering over 1,600 acres with a total investment exceeding 10 billion RMB, the project will feature an aviation transfer center, a comprehensive postal aviation support base, and supporting airside infrastructure. It will also include a cross-border e-commerce industrial park, providing logistical support for e-commerce businesses and promoting rapid sector growth.
The initiative is expected to generate significant clustering effects in the aviation logistics industry at Zhengzhou Airport, attract related enterprises, and transform Henan’s aviation logistics sector.
Both sides will also collaborate to develop rural delivery logistics systems and postal financial services. The goal is to enhance postal service coverage in rural areas and ensure timely delivery of postal items, with full coverage expected by 2026. This effort is part of a broader strategy to establish Zhengzhou as a major aviation logistics hub in Central and Western China.
In recent years, China Post has increasingly engaged in low-altitude economy activities, including drone deliveries.
On August 12, the Henan Provincial Government Office issued a notice regarding the "Implementation Plan for Promoting High-Quality Development of the Low-Altitude Economy (2024-2027)." The plan outlines the province's strategies and goals for developing the low-altitude economy over the next three years.
Read more:
Four-passenger RX4E eSTOL Inches Closer to Certification
The RX4E began spin flight testing from March to April. Video: Liaoning General Aviation Academy
August 22: Rhyxeon General Aircraft Co., Ltd. (RGAC) - affiliated with Liaoning General Aviation Academy - is making headway with its four-passenger RX4E eSTOL aircraft.
On August 22, the RX4E aircraft successfully passed a critical review of its research on the impact of porosity in wet-formed composite materials on mechanical performance. The milestone advances the aircraft's certification process, with structural strength verification now in the final review stage.
Since January 2022, concerns about high porosity in the RX4E’s wet-formed composite materials, which threatened airworthiness standards, have been a major focus. To address this, Liaoning General Aviation stated that it, along with engineering representatives, had conducted extensive research and testing, developing an innovative plan that effectively resolved the issue.
On August 16, the RX4E aircraft's full-scale composite structure completed its final static strength test until structural collapse at the Harbin Aircraft Industry Group’s design testing lab. This finalized all required fatigue life cycle tests, damage tolerance assessments, static strength evaluations under repeated loads and environmental impacts, and repair validations.
The successful completion confirms that the structure meets all Type Certificate (TC) pre-certification requirements for strength and airworthiness.
According to Liaoning General Aviation, the RX4E aircraft's full-scale composite structure testing began in October 2021. Initial tests in August 2022 did not meet design expectations, but a successful retest led to the completion of all required tests by August 16.
Following successful tests, engineering teams finalized wing design improvements and assembled a new composite wing for the full-scale test aircraft, designated as 40006.
China’s Largest Domestic Cargo Drone, SA750U, Completes Successful Maiden Flight
August 22: The SA750U, China’s largest domestic cargo drone developed by Hunan Shanhe Huayu Aviation Technology, successfully completed its maiden flight from Jingbian, Shaanxi. During the 40-minute test, the drone operated smoothly, met performance targets, and returned safely, the company said.
The SA750U is China’s first large cargo drone with a payload capacity exceeding 3 tons. It features fully domestic systems and materials, with a maximum takeoff weight of 7,500 kg, a payload capacity of 3,200 kg, and a range of 2,200 km.
The drone has a cruising speed of 308 km/h and requires over 400 meters for takeoff at full load. Its cargo hold has a volume of 25.8 cubic meters.
Key features include a rectangular fuselage, a large rear door, short takeoff and landing capabilities, and adaptable landing gear.
The SA750U is primarily used for regional air logistics, unmanned material delivery, and firefighting.
Shanhe Huayu is preparing to meet future aerial cargo transport needs with its 3-ton payload drone. The company plans to leverage the expanding low-altitude economy by developing a range of advanced, cost-effective cargo drones, enhancing China's low-altitude logistics and supporting the broader low-altitude sector.
The company holds over 30 patents in aircraft design, optimization, flight control, and manufacturing.
Tianjin Port Free Trade Zone Unveils Low-Altitude Economy Action Plan and Signs 12 Key Projects
August 22: The Tianjin Port Free Trade Zone has unveiled the "Action Plan for Promoting High-Quality Development of the Low-Altitude Economy" during a low altitude launch event, which showcased various low-altitude application scenarios, including logistics delivery, shoreline inspection, urban commuting, emergency support, and medical services.
Announced via the Binhai New Area government portal, the Action Plan sets two key milestones:
By 2027: Establish a solid foundation for the low-altitude economy, develop competitive leading enterprises, and form a strong industry cluster.
By 2030: Create a well-developed low-altitude economic system characterized by innovation, resource abundance, and efficient space use, contributing significantly to high-quality and sustainable development.
A signing ceremony for 12 key projects was also held. Some of the agreements include:
1. The Tianjin Port Free Trade Zone Administration (天津港保税区管委会) signed a cooperation framework agreement with five entities:
The China Helicopter Design and Research Institute (中国直升机设计研究所) Tianjin Helicopter Co., Ltd. (天津直升机有限责任公司)
China Civil Airports Association (中国民用机场协会)
Tianjin Hangda Xiongying Aviation Engineering Co., Ltd. (天津航大雄英航空工程有限公司)
The China Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA, 中国航空器拥有者及驾驶员协会).
The collaboration aims to establish a hub for R&D and industrialization of Chinese helicopter technology, a comprehensive development platform for civil helicopters, an overhaul facility for Mi-171 series helicopters, and the creation of "one headquarters and three centers" to strengthen low-altitude economic infrastructure.
Additional projects:
2. Tianjin Tianbao Holdings Co., Ltd. (天津天保控股有限公司) and Capital Airport Development Group Co., Ltd. (首都机场临空发展集团有限公司) signed a framework agreement to jointly develop a low-altitude economic test flight service base.
3. Tianjin Tianbao Construction Development Co., Ltd. (天津天保建设发展有限公司) and Tianjin Hangda Xiongying Aviation Engineering Co., Ltd. (天津航大雄英航空工程有限公司) agreed to jointly build a low-altitude economic industrial park.
4. Tianjin Lingang Industrial City Construction and Development Group Co., Ltd. (天津临港产城建设发展集团有限公司) signed framework agreements with Tianjin Shuzhi Huayun Technology Co., Ltd. (天津数智华云科技有限公司) and Tianjin Tianhang Zhiyuan Technology Co., Ltd. (天津天航智远科技有限公司) to develop and manufacture new-generation solar-powered aircraft and other near-space flying vehicles, and to create low-altitude economic service scenarios centered around port professional services.
5. The China Transportation Association Transportation Innovation Laboratory (中国交通运输协会交通运输信创实验室) and Tianjin Hanglian Digital Technology Co., Ltd. (天津航链数字科技有限公司) signed a framework agreement to jointly operate the Transportation Innovation Laboratory and build a low-altitude economic ecosystem.
6. Tianjin Helicopter Co., Ltd. (天津直升机有限责任公司) and Hebei Jianxin Group (河北建新集团) signed a cooperation agreement to jointly develop a helicopter test flight support base in Tianjin.
7. Tianjin Aviation Industry Development Co., Ltd. (天津航空产业开发有限公司) and Tianjin Dongjin Aviation Technology Co., Ltd. (天津东进航空科技有限公司) entered a strategic cooperation agreement to build low-altitude economic infrastructure in the Free Trade Zone and enhance low-altitude flight service support.