China News You Might Not Have Heard Of
DJI Drone Transport Tests on Everest, Wangfeng Aviation Progresses with Diamond eDA40 Certification, Tsinghua University Conducts Environmental Experiment and Large-scale Drone Test, and more.
Eight-Second Summary
Record-Setting DJI Drone Transport Tests on Everest's Southern Slope
Wangfeng Aviation Progresses with Diamond eDA40 Electric Aircraft Certification and eVTOL Collaboration
Tsinghua University Hefei Institute Conducts Environmental Experiment and Large-scale Drone Test
2024 eVTOL Low-Altitude Air Show in Guangzhou's Tianhe District Showcases Over Ten Models
Wuxi Leads in Low-Altitude Logistics with Fengyi Technology's Delivery Drones
CAAC Releases 2023 Civil Aviation Industry Development Statistical Bulletin
Guangzhou Unveils Ambitious Three-dimensional Transportation Network Plan
EHang Demonstrates First eVTOL Low-Altitude Air Route in Jiangsu Province, Expands Partnership with Taiyuan Xishan Ecological Tourism
Record-Setting DJI Drone Transport Tests on Everest's Southern Slope
”Mount Everest logistics fall on the shoulders of local guides who risk their lives carrying supplies up, and trash down. These pioneering flights showcase how drones can enhance safety on the mountain and contribute to a cleaner environment,” — DJI
Video: DJI
In April 2024, DJI Delivery partnered with 8KRAW and local Nepalese organizations to conduct drone transportation tests on Everest's southern slope using the DJI FlyCart 30 (FC30). It was the first time a cargo drone completed a round-trip transport test at altitudes between 5,300 meters and 6,000 meters, setting a civilian drone transport record.
From April 25 to May 1, the FC30 underwent hover, unloaded transport, and loaded round-trip transport tests in the southern base camp region and higher altitudes. Results showed it could transport 15 kg of supplies from the 5,300-meter Everest Base Camp to the 6,000-meter C1 base camp, reducing the trek across the Khumbu Icefall from hours to 10 minutes.
Before reaching Everest, visibility issues along the route from Base Camp to C1 required strategic repositioning to avoid signal obstructions. After adjustments, a takeoff point with minimal signal interference was found.
Signal obstructions risked remote controller disconnection, but solutions like a flight path that continues after signal loss and using an extended rope enabled goods transportation to C1, although waste retrieval was not possible. FC30's Dual Operator Mode could resolve these issues, but permit requirements prevented its use in initial tests.
Further adjustments revealed flat terrain from C1 camp to the top of the Khumbu Icefall, making quick round trips feasible. Mavic 3T flights identified a stable target point for single-control flights at C1, addressing the signal issue.
Tests began with round-trip flights carrying various loads, culminating in a successful flight with a 15 kg payload over a 2.7 km route with a 700 m elevation gain.
The FC30 Everest transport test set a global record for 6,000-meter transport, earning recognition from local authorities and commercial climbing organizations in Nepal. Subsequently, a local operating company launched a regular drone transport project at Everest South Base Camp on May 22, aiming to clean up residual waste earlier in the season, promoting environmental protection and sustainable development in the climbing industry.