Jinshan's drone plans reach for the sky
The amphibious cargo drone Seabee at on the East China UAV Base Innovative Development Summit on Tuesday
Jinshan District set up a 500-million-yuan (US$ 70 million) fund on Tuesday to boost the drone industry in the district. It will be used to aid startups and incentivize technical staff.
The district has also issued 18 policies to attract companies and people to Jinshan. Those working for the drone business can get a subsidy of up to 600,000 yuan when buying an apartment. Companies building plants or R&D centers in the district can also enjoy a subsidy up to 20 percent of its total budget.
The new policies and fund were announced at the East China UAV Base Innovative Development Summit Forum in Jinshan, where some 100 new drones were on show.
Last year, a center for all kinds of drone activities from research to training and education opened in Jinshan Industrial Park. A total of 16 drone companies have now invested 1.5 billion yuan there. So far, the center has witnessed 10,000 takeoffs, with no accidents at all.
On May 29, a drone developed by UVS Intelligence System took off from the center, carrying two tons of parcels from China Post, bound for Shengsi in the Zhoushan Archipelago. According to UVS, five trips would cover the cost of the vehicle.
It was the first time a drone had delivered parcels across the sea. A drone flight route from Shanghai to the whole archipelago would mean fresh seafood could arrive in Shanghai within an hour. In the past, the journey took at least five hours.
Zhang Quanquan, deputy head of the district, said, “UAV technology has a practical significance in Hangzhou Bay with its many islands separated by the sea.”
Zhang said Jinshan plans to have 80 to 100 UAV companies by 2021 and reach an output value of 10 billion yuan, rising to 50 billion yuan by 2050.
A visitor examines a new drone model at the East China UAV Base Innovative Development Summit。
An unmanned helicopter
