The first International Low-Altitude Economy Expo opened today at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), attracting nearly 300 leading global enterprises from across the industry chain. The expo featured 19 global debut products and 25 national debut products, helping Shanghai accelerate its goal of building an internationally influential "City in the Sky."

From Transport to Rescue: Drones Showcase Powerful Capabilities

In 1780, the world's first hydrogen balloon was born in France. Over 200 years later, hydrogen-powered drones are taking this "light" resource back to the skies. At the booth of Xieqing (Shanghai) New Energy Technology Co., Ltd., the Pengcheng 150, the world's first mass-produced large-load hydrogen-powered tilt-rotor fixed-wing drone, was officially released. "We replaced lithium batteries with air-cooled hydrogen fuel cells, reducing the drone's battery system weight by 60%," a company representative explained. A 100-kilogram hydrogen-powered drone can achieve a range of up to 3 hours, compared to just half an hour for lithium battery-powered equivalents.

Transport, air drop, weather modification, surveying, communication, disaster detection... The "Twin-Tailed Scorpion D Modular" drone brought by Tengdun Technology boasts multiple functions and was just released this May. It can reach a flight speed of 340 km/h, has a takeoff weight of 4.3 tons, can ascend to altitudes of 10,000 meters, and has a range of 2,500 kilometers. Capable of covering operations within most Chinese provinces within three hours, it is regarded as a "performance beast" in the industry.

Modular design is also a core highlight. A representative explained that the drone can be quickly reconfigured and flexibly adapted for different mission requirements. "The drone's body modules are like 'building blocks' and can be rapidly swapped with the aid of ground equipment. For instance, equipped with a surveying system, it becomes a surveying drone; fitted with fire extinguishing bombs, it becomes a firefighting drone, enabling flexible switching between various operational scenarios."

Genenkosy Intelligent Security Technology (Hangzhou) Co., Ltd. showcased its self-developed "LAS Vertical Domain Large Model – Wukong" and full-scenario low-altitude security solutions. Reporters learned that the platform integrates functional modules like layered 3D airspace defense deployment, trajectory tracing and playback, optoelectronic tracking and risk warning, and blind spot analysis and optimization. It fuses multiple technologies including radar, optoelectronics, radio detection, and 5G-A communication-sensing integration. "It divides the entire airspace into three parts: low layer (below 40 meters), middle layer (40-120 meters), and high layer (above 120 meters)," a staff member explained. "It analyzes blind spots based on urban environment differences at varying altitudes, improving the accuracy of real-time target detection. It also demarcates airspace into restricted zones, danger zones, etc., providing timely risk warnings."

From Sky to Road: Amphibious Cars Steal the Show

After appearing at the Shanghai Auto Show in April, Tianlu Flying Car headed to the Low-Altitude Expo in July, taking the amphibious concept to the extreme. On the show floor, a sky-blue sports car sat on display, its unfolded wings signaling its extraordinary nature. Staff told reporters that unlike previous "flying vehicles" limited to test fields, the Tianlu Flying Car complies with both automotive and aviation regulations. This means it can drive on roads like a regular car and also switch to flight mode for vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL).

Nearby, Zhixing Botong presented a 3:1 scale model of what it claims is the "world's only hidden ducted vertical take-off fixed folding-wing flying car." Company founder Zhong Liping explained that the wings of this flying car can fold like a bird's, retracting to dimensions of 2 meters wide and 5 meters long. Combined with its equipped autonomous driving chassis, it achieves the vision of "flying without carrying the car." "The chassis stays in the parking space during flight. After vertical landing, you can drive away directly, enabling point-to-point intercity travel," Zhong said.

Pozhou Technology Co., Ltd.'s newly developed "Goshawk Vehicle-mounted Drone System" combines vehicle mobility with efficient drone operations, allowing users to "take off and land immediately while the vehicle is moving." Booth staff explained that this vehicle-mounted drone can autonomously take off and land while the car travels at speeds up to 30 km/h. "Compared to traditional drones, vehicle-mounted drones can move freely with the car, greatly expanding inspection ranges and improving organizational efficiency for industries. Outdoor enthusiasts can also use it to scout paths ahead and survey the surrounding environment, enhancing safety during wilderness exploration." Staff indicated this drone will enter mass production in mid-August.

By Zhang Yuyun, Yan Jin (Correspondent)