The world’s first fixed-wing drone made from bamboo

Bamboo and Rattan International Center, Ningbo Innovation Research Institute of Beihang University and Long Bamboo Technology Group jointly developed the world’s first fixed-wing drone made from bamboo-based composite materials. The drone has a wingspan of 2.5 m, weighs about 7 kg, can take off and land vertically, fly at a speed of more than 100 km/h and remain in the air for more than an hour. The drone successfully flew in Tianjin in February, marking a move towards cheaper and more environmentally friendly aircraft materials.

More than 25% of the new vehicle’s structure is made from bamboo-based composite materials. The team says it is 20% lighter than similar vehicles made from carbon fiber, a common material used for drones, and is 20% more cost-effective. Carbon fiber is durable but requires high energy consumption to produce and is difficult to decompose.

According to Director Qin Daochun of the Bamboo and Rattan International Center, the drone development process requires thorough testing and fine-tuning. “Bamboo-based composite materials used for drones need to meet strict requirements for mechanical performance, while also having to overcome a series of technical challenges such as molding and adapting to the environment,” he told Xinhua. He added that the team conducted more than 100 tests based on aviation safety standards, focusing on strength, toughness and the ability to shape the material into aircraft parts.

The research team sees bamboo drones as a stepping stone to broader applications in China’s fast-growing low-range economy. Lian Jianchang, president of Long Bamboo Technology Group, said the company will focus on bamboo’s lightweight, environmentally friendly and biodegradable properties.

China Green Times According to the opinion, bamboo drones can support forest fire prevention, plant protection, ecological monitoring, geographical surveying and delivery services. Meanwhile, many experts told Xinhua that in addition to drones, bamboo-based composite materials can be used for structural parts of small satellites and light spacecraft hulls thanks to their durability, stiffness, and good vibration reduction ability.