autoevolution
 

This Inflatable Drone Made in China Might Be The Next Generation UAV

Drones came a long way from being at the use of classified military missions to almost becoming man’s best friend... sort of. This time, it’s China’s turn to impress with their genuine innovation, as 69 year-old Zhang Bingyan unveiled his inflatable UAV at the recent Tianjin International UAV Exhibition.
Inflatable Drone Made in China Might Be The Next Generation UAV 1 photo
Photo: www.janes.com
Zhang Bingyan graduated from Beijing Institute of Technology in the 1960s and was later assigned to the Chinese Commission of Science and Technology and Industry for National Defense. Called the SF-1, the engineer started working at this project as an engineer with the Henan Normal University in Xinxiang, China in 1993.

According to Janes, the unmanned aircraft has an average speed of 120 mph (193 km/h) and is able to fly up to 10,000 ft (3,000 m) with a maximum load of 55 lbs (25 kg). The only thing not made out of rubber is its engine that powers a rear-mounted propeller and wheels. Apart from the fact it’s very light, the flexibility of the plane also make it the machine safe, as it will probably survive an impact with the ground.

As to the price of production, according to the source it takes between $32,400 (EUR 25,075) and $48,600 (EUR 37,613) to make. Anyway, there is no wonder the Chinese are developing all sorts of strange drones, considering by 2014 there are more than 230 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in the country.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories