Wuhu "Low Altitude Takeoff"
On September 15th, the Low Altitude Economic Development Conference opened in Wuhu, Anhui.
In 2021, the National Comprehensive Vertical Transportation Network Planning Outline clearly proposed the development of low altitude economy, and Anhui became the third pilot province for comprehensive low altitude airspace management reform in China.
What is a low altitude economy? Why can the low altitude economy of Wuhu take off?
The term "low altitude economy" covers a wide range, referring to an airspace range that is generally below 1000 meters from the ground level directly below, and can be extended to 3000 to 4000 meters according to the characteristics and actual needs of different regions. "Economy" refers to a comprehensive economic form that utilizes low altitude airspace, uses low altitude flight activities as a driving force, radiates and drives the integrated development of related fields, covering the industrial chain links of low altitude aircraft research and development, flight operation services, and supporting support.
Wuhu has inherent advantages in developing low altitude economy.
"Wuhu is located at the intersection of the Yangtze River Delta and the central region, with a unique location advantage in the Yangtze River Delta and a factor cost advantage in resource agglomeration in the central region," said the person in charge of the Aviation Industry Development Service Center in Wanzhou District, Wuhu City. United Aircraft Group is a private enterprise engaged in the research and development, production, and service of unmanned aerial vehicles and other equipment. Located in multiple cities across the country, Wuhu United Aircraft Technology Co., Ltd. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of United Aircraft Group and has landed in Wanzhou District, Wuhu City. Yan Huaiqiang, Assistant to the President of United Aircraft Group and General Manager of Wuhu United Aircraft, told reporters that one of the reasons why the group chose to settle in Wuhu is because it has a strong interest in the geographical location of Wuhu, which can be said to be the regional center of the group's national layout and a true development base.
At the same time, Wuhu has a developed manufacturing industry, a complete talent and technological ecosystem, and similar and interconnected manufacturing processes. Therefore, it has taken the lead in advancing into general aviation in Anhui. Not only has China Electronics Technology Wuhu Diamond Aircraft Manufacturing Co., Ltd. landed in the Bay Area to produce general-purpose aircraft that belong to the "Anhui made" category, but also industry "singles champions" such as Haiying drones, quartz fiber materials, Jinwhirlwind propellers, Jiuzi flight control, and Weiyuan Intelligence have successively settled in, with obvious industrial linkage effects.
"The layout of up and down chain enterprises in the aviation industry in Wuhu is very complete. After ten years of development, the growth rate of Wuhu Aviation Industry Park is obvious. In addition to leading unmanned aerial vehicle enterprises in the United Aircraft, there are also fixed wing unmanned aerial vehicle enterprises, engine manufacturing enterprises, composite materials enterprises, engine maintenance enterprises, etc. It should be noted that the aviation industry cannot be achieved by one company, and it needs to rely on a good industrial ecology. Wuhu clearly has this condition." Yan Huaiqiang said.
At present, Wuhu has formed a distinctive and independently controllable industrial chain covering aviation new materials, aviation complete machines, satellites, drones, engines, propellers, general avionics, aviation accessories, air economy, low altitude operations, and other distinctive features.
To develop aviation, airports and runways are essential. Wuhu is a city with three types of airports: military, civilian, and general. Wuxuan Airport was opened on April 30, 2021. The integration of Wuhu Sanyuan General Airport and Wuxuan Airport marks the first in East China, with an average annual test flight of over 2000 aircraft for the entire aircraft project.
These factors provide more possibilities for the development of low altitude economy. At the Low Altitude Economy Conference, the Action Plan for High Quality Development of Low Altitude Economy in Wuhu City was released, proposing to strive for connotative development and high-quality improvement of low altitude economy in Wuhu by 2025. The number of low altitude economy related enterprises has exceeded 300, and the output value of low altitude industry has reached 50 billion yuan, becoming a strong growth pole for urban development.
To develop the low altitude economy, it is necessary to mention the drone industry. After years of deep cultivation in the industry, Yan Huaiqiang has conducted research on the drone industry in many cities. In summary, he believes that Wuhu is recognized as a strong point and advantage in the research and development of drones, especially in the manufacturing of medium and large-sized drones, in China. "To put it more vividly, the development of Wuhu Aviation in the past decade has mainly focused on 'practicing internal skills', and the next decade will be about' strengthening external skills', that is, expanding the application scenarios of more drones." Yan Huaiqiang said. "We in Wuhu have also made a name for ourselves in areas such as fire rescue, logistics transportation, Yangtze River inspection, and training for medium and large unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) flight tests. We believe that UAVs can also be quickly put into use in the construction of smart cities. And because we have previously practiced 'internal skills' well and laid a solid foundation, we believe that Wuhu will also be faster and better at achieving' external skills' and landing application scenarios compared to other cities."
The Action Plan for High Quality Development of Low Altitude Economy in Wuhu City proposes to focus on low altitude multi scenario applications, strengthen the cultivation of new business models, and cultivate three types of business models for comprehensive development of low altitude and emerging consumption areas, such as transportation and travel. It effectively expands the application of drones in public service fields such as river and river inquiries, forest fire prevention, logistics distribution, and emergency rescue, and carries out low altitude activities such as air travel flight training and aerial photography and design.
"The focus of the UAV industry is service rather than manufacturing. The UAV can serve both the primary industry and the secondary industry, as well as the service industry itself. It is a cross industry service. Wuhu needs to further effectively expand the UAV application scenarios to accelerate the arrival of a busier day in the sky." Fan Bangkui, an academician of the CAE Member, said.
