Chinese researchers conducted successful flight tests of a fixed-wing drone made from bamboo composite in Tianjin. This achievement opens new opportunities for the production of eco-friendly and budget aviation materials.
According to the developers, this UAV is 20% lighter than carbon fiber counterparts, and its construction cost is over 20% lower. The project was implemented by the International Bamboo and Rattan Center in collaboration with the Innovation Institute of Beihang University in Ningbo and Long Bamboo Technology Group.
Technical Specifications of the Device:
Wingspan: 2.5 meters
Weight: About 7 kilograms
Type of Takeoff and Landing: Vertical
Speed: Over 100 km/h
Flight Duration: More than 1 hour
The new material replaces traditional carbon fabric, which is energy-intensive to produce and difficult to recycle. Bamboo composite costs about four times less than standard carbon fiber.
The design feature is that more than 25% of the drone's structure is made from bamboo composite, with the fuselage skin made from this material for the first time in the world for this type of UAV.
Project leader Qin Daochun noted that the development process included a series of more than 100 experiments based on airworthiness standards. The tests confirmed high indicators of strength, viscosity, and resistance to external influences. The entire production chain was also optimized: from raw material selection to the manufacture of the outer skin.
The developers view this drone as a basis for the development of logistics, agriculture, and environmental services.
Potential areas of application include: Fire prevention and ecosystem monitoring, geographical surveying and mapping, cargo delivery services, manufacturing of small satellite casings, and lightweight spacecraft.
Experts also believe that due to its high rigidity and ability to dampen vibrations, this material could be used in the production of parts for small satellites and spacecraft.
Leave a comment