World's first bamboo drone unveiled

China has created the world's first drone, partially made from bamboo-based composite materials. This was reported by the Hong Kong newspaper South China Morning Post, citing the Chinese state agency Xinhua.

Last month, the device successfully passed flight tests in Tianjin, the material says. According to the agency, the drone was more than 20% lighter and the same amount cheaper than standard carbon fiber models.

The drone was developed by the International Bamboo and Rattan Center, Ningbo Research Innovation Institute of Beijing Aviation and Space University, and Long Bamboo Technology Group.

As a result, 25% of the aircraft's structure is made of bamboo-based material, including the fixed wing and fuselage skin. The drone's wingspan is 2.5 meters and its weight is about seven kilograms. The drone is capable of vertical takeoff and landing, reaching a cruising speed of more than 100 kilometers per hour and remaining in the air for more than an hour.

According to the developers, bamboo-based composite materials could eventually replace the traditional carbon fiber used in drone production. It is durable, but at the same time requires significant energy consumption during production and is difficult to decompose. The new material is said to be about four times cheaper and can significantly reduce drone production costs.

The developers believe that bamboo-based materials can be used not only in drones. For example, in their opinion, such composites can become an environmentally friendly alternative for electric transport, marine equipment or satellites.