I'm always amazing at swarm robotics and motion control. Spectators who attended the 2019 Nanchang Flight Convention in China were treated to a one-of-a-kind spectacle of 800 choreographed drones that took the shape of a passenger jet, a propeller plane, a helicopter and a fighter jet that illuminated the night sky. The industry event’s purpose was to showcase China’s latest aviation, space travel and drone developments.
The drones took the shape of a passenger jet during the 2019 Nanchang Flight Convention. (Image Credit: China Xinhau Sci-Tech via Twitter)
One of the better performances during the event was the “ghost plane.” It glowed in the night sky in blue with a red light pulsing in the front and back every so often, adding to the effect of a plane in flight. Over 100 military and commercial aircraft from China and other countries were displayed at the convention, ranging from venerable biplanes to modern fighter jets.
The drones also took the shape of a helicopter and a fighter jet. (Image Credit: China Xinhau Sci-Tech via Twitter)
During the opening ceremony, Yin Meigen, member of the Standing Committee of Jiangxi Provincial Committee and Secretary of Nanchang Municipal Party Committee, said that the flight convention is the first high-level comprehensive aviation exhibition held in Jiangxi Province.
He explained the goal of the convention was to promote the growth of Nanchang’s aviation industry, urge investment in the field and boost the industry in China. Meigen also stated the convention would help to increase the development of Jiangxi’s growing aircraft industry.
Drone technology has been rapidly advancing over the past few years. Both companies and hobbyists have been experimenting with technology that allows drones to carry out other tasks apart from flying. Drone coordination, much like the ones showcased in Nanchang, is possible due to the wireless dongles built into them. This allows each drone to communicate their movements in sync.
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