China's modified light-sport aircraft completes maiden flight

File photo shows a Lingyan, AG50 light-sport aircraft in Jingmen, central China's Hunbei Province. (Photo/China News Service)

(ECNS) -- A modified Lingyan AG50, China's self-developed new generation light-sport aircraft completed maiden after an 11-minute maiden flight in Jingmen, central China's Hubei Province on Monday, according to the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC).

"The flight was stable and all systems performed well. It can now officially apply for flight test certification", said pilot Na Guoqiang,

First launched in February 2023, the modified AG50 aircraft has a larger wing fuel tank capacity with an extending flight distance from 650 kilometers to 1,200 kilometers. Its empennage and rudder underwent comprehensive optimization to improve operational performance, and navigation lights were added to the wingtips to enhance environmental adaptability.

The aircraft is powered by regular gasoline, capable of flying nearly 200 kilometers per hour with a fuel consumption of approximately 16 liters, comparable to that of a car, according to Liu Chong, its chief designer. It features a low-cost composite airframe, an independently developed integrated avionics system, and a push-pull cable control system, making it easy to ensure fuel support while cutting costs.

As a new member of China's homegrown general aircraft family, the modified AG50 aircraft boasts an attractive appearance, safety and reliability, economic efficiency, and comfortable operation.

It will play a role in air sports, agricultural and forestry operations, flight training, private flights and more.