China's domestically developed "Qingqibing" small and medium-sized solar-powered unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) successfully completed its maiden flight on Wednesday, according to the 11th Research Institute of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC).

The UAV measures 3.2 meters in length and has a wingspan of 8 meters, with a maximum designed endurance of 30 hours. Powered entirely by solar energy, the aircraft is a fully electric UAV featuring long endurance, rapid deployment and convenient maintenance and support.

The aircraft is designed for a range of applications, including long-distance pipeline inspections, inspections of major water conservancy facilities, land surveying and mapping, natural resource surveys, rapid reconnaissance in disaster-affected areas, and large-scale target monitoring.

Its successful maiden flight marks a new development in China's commercial-grade solar-powered UAV sector.