GBA's largest low-altitude test field begins operations

The Shenzhen Integrated Ground-Air Intelligent Connected Test Base recently launched low-altitude operations at the Bay Area Intelligent Connected Test Field in Pingshan District.

An aerial view of the Bay Area Intelligent Connected Test Field in Pingshan District. File photo

The 43-hectare test field, which also serves as a testing ground for intelligent connected vehicles (ICVs), officially opened in June 2024. Following recent upgrades, the facility now features four professional takeoff and landing sites, a comprehensive laboratory building that integrates testing, hangars, and dispatch functions.

Advanced equipment has been installed, including 5G-Advanced base stations, low-altitude detection radar, electro-optical detection devices, wind-profiling radar, and weather stations. This integrated low-altitude digital system covers communications, navigation, surveillance, and meteorology, supporting full-range testing and certification services for drones of all sizes.

The site has also carried out innovative trials to create an environment for coordinated operations between ICVs and low-altitude aircraft, laying a foundation for the development of standards and scenario validation for integrated land-air transport systems.

Ten testing scenarios are being developed at the site, including low-altitude sightseeing, paragliding, emergency rescue, air logistics, firefighting drills, and drone performances. Six training bases and laboratories have also been unveiled.

Next, Pingshan plans to build a 20-sq-km low-altitude economy industrial zone encompassing core technologies, component and aircraft manufacturing, system integration, and application services and operations.