China creates artificial rain with drones for first time
China has successfully created artificial rain using drones for the first time.
Performed by Shaanxi Zhongtian Rocket Technology Company, the operation aims to perform cloud seeding to trigger precipitation under complex weather conditions. This operation highlights the potential for drone technology to be used in future rain enhancement operations, according to thepaper.cn.
It is reported that the drone has an effective flight time of 125 to 250 minutes with a maximum payload of 50 kilograms. The unmanned aerial vehicle can be monitored and controlled in real-time from operators on the ground.
Compared with the conventional rain enhancement methods of using ground-based cannons and manned aircraft to disperse cloud seeding chemicals, drones have the advantages of both long flight times and the capacity to work in complex weather conditions.
Source: China creates artificial rain with drones for first time
