China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp.’s (CASC) 11th Research Institute completed the maiden flight of its Light Cavalry solar-powered UAV on Nov. 11 at an undisclosed airfield in northwestern China. The flight marks a milestone in the institute’s efforts to develop a commercially deployable solar-powered aircraft.
The UAV has an 8-meter wingspan, a maximum takeoff weight of 45 kg and a payload capacity of more than 5 kg. According to the institute, the aircraft is designed to operate continuously for up to 30 hours at altitudes of up to 7,000 meters. It can be launched from a vehicle without a runway and requires approximately 20 minutes of ground preparation.
The specifications represent design targets rather than independently verified performance figures. The maiden flight demonstrated basic flight capability and system integration, but the institute did not report endurance testing.
The aircraft is powered entirely by solar cells integrated into its wings. During daylight hours, the photovoltaic modules supply electricity to the propulsion system while charging onboard batteries. The batteries provide power after sunset, enabling the UAV to continue operating overnight without consuming fuel.
The 11th Research Institute, which also develops the Rainbow series of military and civilian UAVs, said it developed the aircraft’s key subsystems in-house, including flight controls, avionics and energy management systems.
The institute is targeting commercial applications such as inspections of power transmission lines, pipelines and railway corridors. Its proposed 30-hour endurance could enable extended inspection missions covering several hundred kilometers, depending on operating conditions.
Other potential applications include environmental monitoring, emergency response and communications relay services. The aircraft’s vehicle-based launch capability is intended to support operations in remote locations without dedicated aviation infrastructure.
The development comes as China promotes its low-altitude economy, encouraging the use of civilian UAVs in sectors including logistics, agriculture and infrastructure inspection.
Solar-powered, long-endurance UAVs could occupy a niche between battery-powered multirotor aircraft, which typically have shorter flight times, and conventional fuel-powered UAVs. Solar propulsion offers the potential to reduce fuel consumption and operating emissions, although commercial viability will depend on acquisition costs, payload capabilities, operating conditions and demonstrated endurance.
CASC has not disclosed a timeline for commercial certification, production plans or pricing.
The maiden flight represents an initial development milestone. Further flight testing, regulatory approvals and customer qualification will be needed before the aircraft can enter routine commercial service.
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