Beijing Will Use Unmanned Mini-plane to Monitor WeatherMeteorological experts in Beijing are testing an unmanned mini-plane before finally using it as a new device to monitor the weather in the region.Weighing about ten kilograms, the 1.8-meter-long plane was designed by Ma Shuqing, a senior engineer with the Beijing Meteorological Bureau. Though small in size, the plane is installed with a variety of advanced equipment, which can send the air pressure, temperature and humidity, wind speed, and other information it observes back to the meteorological center, according to Gao Junying, an official from the Chinese Meteorological Administration. With a highest speed of 108 kilometers per hour, the highly advanced plane can continue flying for eight hours and climb to an altitude of 5,000 meters, Gao said.. After completing the monitoring work, the plane can return home safely with the guidance of a built-in GPS system. Experts on the ground can also control the plane by a portable computer, sources said. |
| People's Daily Online --- http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/ |