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(Reporter Su Su) In the realm of science and technology, the once-unattainable dream of taking flight has become a reality. Alongside conventional aircraft, pioneers driven by a spirit of exploration have devised a manned turbojet flight pack. Today, we have the privilege of interviewing Zhou He, a research and development expert in China's intelligent flight equipment field and the founder of China's first 240kg manned turbojet flight backpack.
Zhou He is an avid aviation enthusiast who has independently developed numerous innovative intelligent flight equipment products. His creations include backpack-type turbojet engine flight backpacks, turbojet aircraft, ground-powered high-altitude spray-painting long-endurance drones, large-load transport drones, manned electric-powered paragliders, and advertising airships. These products find wide-ranging applications in rapid rescue operations, construction spraying, communication and power line maintenance, as well as leisure and entertainment.
Zhou He not only excels as a scientific and technological innovation inventor in the field of intelligent flight equipment but also spearheads the rapid development of this technology in China. His groundbreaking achievement in developing China's first 240k g manned turbojet flight backpack fills a void in the domestic industry. This flight backpack with 240 kilograms of thrust offers stable flight, fully intelligent control, robust air suspension capabilities, flexible wearing, and an electronically controlled operating system that can be operated with minimal training. Equipped with eight small turbojet engines, it boasts a flight altitude of 3,000 meters, a climbing speed of 30 meters per second, vertical takeoff capability, and free flight. Its broad application prospects encompass high-altitude firefighting, emergency rescue, scientific research, and extreme sports.
As the foremost developer of a 240 kg manned turbojet flight pack in China, Zhou He constantly seeks to push the boundaries of aviation. Because of the stringent technical requirements associated with turbojet flight backpacks, only a few countries have embarked on their production. Nevertheless, Zhou He's continuous efforts have yielded a product that not only rivals similar foreign counterparts across various performance indicators but also significantly reduces cost. This scientific and technological innovation has earned him second place in the Hunan Chenzhou Division of the 6th "Maker China" Small and Medium Enterprises Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition, jointly organized by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the Ministry of Finance.
As a research and development expert in the field of intelligent flight equipment, Mr. Zhou He not only possesses an unwavering passion for aviation but also serves as a true pioneer, consistently forging new paths. In 2023, the product Zhou He led the research and development of, a general-purpose drone for large-load transportation and painting, won the "2023 Outstanding Invention Award for Scientific and Technological Innovation in the Field of Intelligent Flight Equipment" at the 22nd Chinese Scientists Forum. This product finds extensive applications in industrial transportation, industrial spraying, infrastructure material transportation, agricultural heavy goods transport, terrain mapping, search and rescue operations, livestock driving, and infrastructure inspections. For his innovative invention, Zhou He himself received the "2023 Scientific and Technological Innovation Pioneer Award in the Field of Intelligent Flight Equipment" from the China Scientists Forum. Founded in 2002 with the special care and support of renowned scientist Academician Zhou Guangzhao, then Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress and Chairman of the China Association for Science and Technology, the China Scientists Forum is a prominent science and technology platform. It has been successfully held 22 times thus far and serves as a national authoritative organization for scientific research. Its mission is to foster the development of science and technology and recognize talents who have made exceptional contributions in the field. Over the past two decades, the China Scientists Forum has garnered robust support from the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Chinese Academy of Engineering, the Chinese Association for Science and Technology, the National Natural Science Foundation, Tsinghua University, Peking University, and various sectors of society. It stands as one of the most influential and important platforms for the transfer and transformation of scientific and technological achievements.
Another intelligent flight equipment developed by Zhou He since 2019, the manned electric-powered paraglider, also successfully entered production in 2023. It once again broke new ground in the field of intelligent flight equipment, becoming China's first manned electric paraglider with a folding structure. Apart from leisure and personal hobbies, this product finds applications in project completion, groundbreaking ceremonies, anniversary activities, large-scale celebrations, and the opening of various exhibitions and trade fairs. Commercially, powered paragliders serve as captivating advertising tools, attracting public attention and leaving a lasting impression on advertisers. This advertising method achieves the dual purpose of celebration and entertainment while garnering increased public awareness.
Zhou He is a prominent figure in the field of intelligent flight equipment, having spearheaded the development of various software and patents in this domain. His intellectual property rights are widely utilized by his peers, leading to substantial economic and social benefits for the industry. Zhou He has consistently pushed his own boundaries in the research of intelligent flight equipment, garnering recognition and respect from experts in the field.
Due to his exceptional accomplishments and contributions to industry advancement, Zhou He has been accepted as a member of prestigious Chinese social groups, including the China Aeronautical Society, Chinese Automation Society, and Chinese Mechanical Engineering Society. These associations maintain stringent admission criteria for their members.
In 2021, Zhou He initiated a significant scientific research collaboration with a key domestic university. This collaboration involved providing development services for the "Engine Vector Actuation Control System" and "Engine Vector Motion System." The outcome of this endeavor was the successful delivery of four sets of 40 kg vector nozzle control mechanisms. These mechanisms achieved the objectives of a deflection angle of no less than 20 degrees and a control period of 10ms. The hardware installation and control servo implementation were also completed. Notably, the engine's performance loss following deflection was minimal, and the control system satisfied the dynamic and static characteristics requirements of the thrust vector nozzle.
Zhou He possesses profound expertise and foresight regarding the evolution of intelligent flight equipment technology and industry trends. His extensive research findings and practical experience in the application of intelligent flight equipment underscore his capabilities. Noteworthy contributions include pioneering the development of China's first 240kg manned flight backpack, as well as leading the development of large-load UAVs and high-altitude spraying UAVs. These initiatives effectively addressed industry pain points and met pressing market demands.
Zhou He is currently acquiring skills in piloting light aircraft and aspiring to enter the burgeoning field of general aviation. Zhou He stands out as a prominent expert who possesses extensive knowledge in the research and development of intelligent flight equipment. Moreover, he demonstrates a deep understanding of the broader field of intelligent flight equipment. Zhou He has consistently achieved significant advancements in technological innovation within China's intelligent flight equipment sector, solidifying his position as a leading figure in the industry.