On April 4th, at Lusong Airport in Zhuzhou, Hunan Province, the large SA750U unmanned transport aircraft independently developed by Shanhe Huayu and strategically coordinated by Starair successfully took to the sky equipped with the newly self-developed AEP100 megawatt-class hydrogen-fueled aviation turboprop engine from AECC Hunan Aviation Powerplant Research Institute, accomplishing the world's first aerial test flight of this type of engine and large unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with a perfect result.

 

(Group photo at the successful test flight site)

On the day of the test flight, the SA750U steadily completed all test flight subjects after takeoff and returned safely. This test flight also verified the reliability of the combination of this UAV and the hydrogen-fueled power system, demonstrating its potential as an unmanned transport platform and flexibility for modification. Moreover, it is capable of short takeoff and landing on an 800-meter runway, boasting outstanding performance.

 

(SA750U in flight)

Why was the SA750U chosen to be equipped with this new engine?

It is because of its own strong capabilities. As China's first large unmanned transport aircraft with a load capacity of over 3 tons, it has attracted wide attention since its maiden flight in August last year. With a maximum takeoff weight of 7,500 kg, it can carry a maximum payload of 3,200 kg and has a cargo hold volume of 25.8 m3, which can meet various transportation needs. The fuselage features a rectangular cross-section and a large rear door, enabling extremely fast cargo loading and unloading as well as airdropping. It has also completed cross-sea flights and continuous automatic airdrops, including several operations of accurately airdropping five pieces of cargo in succession, and even set a world record for airdropping by large UAVs.

 

(SA750U at Zhuzhou Lusong Airport)

Going forward, the SA750U will first be put into use in the low-altitude economy sector, such as unmanned air cargo and island logistics. Later, its application can be extended to manned regional aircraft, driving the aviation industry towards a green and low-carbon direction.