“九天苍穹”从西部起飞

Core Insights - The article highlights the successful first flight of the domestically developed large general-purpose drone "Jiutian" in Shaanxi, marking a significant milestone in China's drone industry and showcasing the potential of the low-altitude economy [1][2][9]. Group 1: Development and Investment - The project for the "Jiutian" drone was initiated by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China and received strong support from the Xi'an government, which established a market-oriented investment model to ensure stable funding [2][3]. - A total investment of 234 million yuan (approximately 34 million USD) has been made to support the research, manufacturing, and test flight phases of the "Jiutian" project [4]. Group 2: Collaborative Mechanisms - The project adopted a "parallel unified collaborative mechanism" to enhance efficiency, combining the technical strengths of state-owned enterprises with the flexibility of private companies and the innovative capabilities of research personnel [5]. - A joint decision-making mechanism was established, involving experts from various organizations to quickly address issues during the manufacturing process [5]. Group 3: Technological and Operational Achievements - The "Jiutian" drone features a wingspan of 25 meters and a maximum takeoff weight of 16 tons, designed for various applications such as logistics, forest fire prevention, and emergency rescue [2]. - The project has successfully transitioned the Xi'an Chida Aircraft Parts Manufacturing Co. from a component supplier to a complete aircraft assembly service provider, enhancing its technical capabilities and competitiveness [6]. Group 4: Market Impact and Future Prospects - The successful first flight of "Jiutian" is expected to significantly boost the local aviation industry, as it allows for the application of advanced technologies and strengthens the local supply chain [9][10]. - The project has involved over 35,000 components and more than 200 local enterprises, with over 80% of core components manufactured in Shaanxi, demonstrating the project's local economic impact [9].