The first bamboo drones in the world appeared in China; now they plan to launch satellites.

Bamboo Drone – A New Step in “Green” Aviation

1. Brief Introduction
Modern technology is once again turning to natural materials: Japanese engineers use magnolia planks for satellites, and Chinese researchers have found bamboo to be the ideal composite for unmanned aerial vehicles.

2. The Project and Its Partners
* International Centre for Bamboo and Rattan – International Center for Bamboo and Rattan.
* Beihang University’s Ningbo Institute of Technology – Ningbo Institute of Technology at Beijing Aviation University.
* Long Bamboo Technology Group – a company specializing in bamboo composites.

Together they created the world’s first UAV that has more than 25 % of its structure made from bamboo composite.

3. First Flight
In early 2026, the drone successfully completed a test launch in Tianjin. This marked a breakthrough in the volume use of bamboo in aircraft of this type.

4. Technical Specifications
Parameter | Value | Engine Type
---|---|---
VTOL helicopter with rotating rotors | — | VTOL
Wing span | > 2.5 m | —
Weight | ~ 7 kg | —
Cruising speed | > 100 km/h | —
Flight time | > 1 hour | —

These parameters make the drone suitable for monitoring, delivery, and reconnaissance.

5. Technical Challenges
Developers had to solve the following issues:
* Forming bamboo into complex geometries.
* Ensuring sufficient mechanical properties (strength, stiffness).
* Resistance to external factors (moisture, temperature).

6. Economic and Environmental Benefits
Indicator | Bamboo | Carbon Fiber
---|---|---
Composite cost | ~ ¼ of carbon fiber price | —
Cost reduction in structure | > 20 % | —
Weight (vs. carbon) | 20 % lighter | —

Thus the bamboo drone saves up to 75 % on individual components and reduces energy consumption during production. Bamboo renews quickly and degrades, eliminating the problem of non‑degradable fiber‑reinforced materials.

7. Prospects for Application
Bamboo composites could find use far beyond UAVs:
* Electric vehicles and their frames.
* Marine technology (ships, ship parts).
* Satellites and even spacecraft.

Using bamboo cuts the carbon footprint of high‑technology production.

8. Conclusion
The new bamboo drone demonstrates that environmentally friendly materials can compete with traditional composites in weight, strength, and cost. This opens the way to more sustainable manufacturing in aviation and beyond, without threatening panda populations – bamboo is protected by law in China.