Tianjin expo reveals Chinese UAV innovations, aspirations

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According to Chinese press reports, a family of inflatable UAVs were unveiled at a recent technology exhibition.

Chief designer Zhang Bing Yan introduced the “software aircraft”, which he filed patents for in 2011. In comments reported by local media he made it clear that he required greater funding to better develop the concept.

According to IHS JANES 360, the inflatable UAVs at Tianjin were designated SF-1, SF-2 and SF-3 with wingspans of 2.5 m, 3 m and 4.3 m respectively. Zhang explained they have a useful load of 25 kg, a speed of about 20 km/h, range of about 100 km and a maximum altitude of 4,000 m. The UAVs can be filled with normal air, helium or hydrogen to achieve greater buoyancy.

Unmanned Systems Conference 2014 – Israel

Apparently constructed of thin polyvinal chloride (PVC) akin to that used for common air mattresses, the UAVs also use air inflation valves from an air mattress and were seen at the show being filled with a simple electric air-pump. Payloads apparently are carried near the centre-of-gravity, while externally-mounted servos operate control flaps. The UAVs at the show used electric motors and Zhang’s craft employs automatic program/computer-control to fly missions.

The UAV weighs 130 kg while carrying a payload of 50 kg at a maximum speed of 6 km/h. It can traverse a 30 degree slope and has an endurance of two hours. An image showed it carrying four backpacks.