Practical Aircraft Available for Water-surface Transportation in ChinaThe first-generation of practical geo-effective aircraft made by China has hosted nearly 4,000 foreign and domestic tourists since it was put into trial operation on Taihu Lake in April of 1999, indicating that China has reached the world advanced level in this hi-tech field next to Russia and Germany.The geo-effective aircraft, a means of conveyance shaped like an airplane, can fly close to the water surface at speed of 100-600 kms per hour by making use of the"ground (surface) effect". Since it can take off and land on ground or water without airport and raceway, this aircraft has been acknowledged as an important means for water transportation in the 21st century and forecasted to enjoy a bright perspective. So far, only China and Russia have achieved substantial progress on research and application of the aircraft. While Russia eyes on its military function, China is the first country in terms of civil application of the aircraft. As reported in order to make it a popular means of transportation it is first of all necessary to make the industrialization of it a target. Some 15 such aircraft is scheduled to be manufactured and put into operation from Huzhou over Taihu Lake to Suzhou and Wuxi, or for tour to Xiaoleishan and other cities in the vicinity. By PD Online staff member Deng Gang |
| People's Daily Online --- http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/ |