Final development testing of Flightwin's 2,500-kg FWH-3000 is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year.
DUBAI—Full-scale mockups of two large, uncrewed rotorcraft made by Chinese company Flightwin Innovation Technology are making their international debut at the Dubai Airshow here.
The single-rotor FWH-1500 and the tandem-rotor FWH-3000 are represented at the Beijing-based company’s booth (#400) in the exhibit hall.
Both aircraft are developed for use by civil government and military operators, according to Chong Chen, Flightwin vice president.
Flightwin started operations in 2008 focused on developing small commercial drones, but found the market too competitive in China, Chen says.
The company pivoted to large utility rotorcraft in 2016, launching development of the 1,000-kg (2,205-lb.) FWH-1500 uncrewed aircraft system (UAS).
The autonomous FWH-1500 has entered service with Chinese government operators, with operations including air dropping humanitarian relief supplies after floods. The aircraft is also capable of dropping retardant on forest fires and airlifting injured or wounded people.
Final development testing of the 2,500-kg FWH-3000 is scheduled to be completed by year’s end, Chen adds. The company has not received orders yet for the tandem-rotor UAS, but expects to launch production after testing concludes.
Flightwin is now turning to the international market. Company officials have visited a United Arab Emirates-based company this week, eyeing opportunities for local assembly of both aircraft for customers in the Middle East.
