A representative from the CHRDI said: “In recent years, the institute has vigorously pursued the development of equipment and technologies in new domains and with new quality productivity. The demonstration flight of the AR-500 unmanned helicopter exemplifies our focus on the low-altitude economy and our commitment to building new quality productive forces in the aviation industry. This series of unmanned helicopters has already played a significant role in serving the national economy, supporting the development of China’s aviation emergency rescue equipment system, and cultivating new quality productive forces in aviation.”

As reported, the AR-500 unmanned helicopter has now developed a family of modular models, including emergency, maritime, plateau, and shipborne variants, providing products and technical services to more than 20 domestic and international clients. The helicopter is suitable for a wide range of applications, including forest firefighting, maritime supervision, and logistics transport. Its performance has been rigorously validated in real-world operational scenarios, such as material transport in Motuo, Tibet; forest firefighting in the Greater Khingan Mountains; maritime supervision in Shandong; and flood control operations in southern China.