AVIX and ITRI Collaborate on UAV Test Flight for Mountain Rescue Mission

On April 26, AVIX's unmanned helicopter, powered by a high-pressure hydrogen fuel cell, completed a test flight with a rescue medical box onboard. Taking off from the Qingye Farm at an altitude of 2000 meters, the UAV flew to the Xinda Mountain Hut at 3167 meters, delivering the medical supplies at an elevation of 3246 meters.Why choose Xinda Mountain Hut? For those familiar with Taiwan’s mountainous terrain, Xinda Mountain Hut, located in the Snow Mountain National Park, serves as a key resting point for hikers on their way to the famous Wuling Four Peaks. In the event of an emergency, how long is the journey to deliver help? AVIX’s senior pilot, Ah Yuan, explains, “Even the fastest hiker would need at least 8 hours to make the trip.” The 18-minute UAV flight versus the 8-hour trek represents a critical life-saving window, highlighting the significance of this mission.Dr. Cai Liduang, the director of ITRI's Materials and Technology Division, emphasized the core value of this collaboration, stating, "The goal is to identify challenges with a research-oriented mindset," including dealing with unavoidable mountain winds, the challenges of operating a hydrogen fuel cell at high altitudes with low oxygen, and overcoming payload and wireless transmission issues. All of this must be done while ensuring safety and legality, pushing the boundaries with "future thinking" to meet various limitations and demands.Dr. Cai confidently referred to this team as "a strong and stable national team." The completion of this stage is not the end but the beginning of future logistics services for remote mountain and island regions.After countless ground tests and two separate high-altitude tests at 3070 meters in Kunyang, the fuel cell and mechanical systems were carefully calibrated to their optimal state. "Every possible issue and unexpected situation was prepared for and managed," turning challenges into repeated tests, continuous efforts, and long journeys. AVIX and ITRI are determined to break the barriers of limited access with technology, making breakthroughs for the future.Technical Specifications:UAV: AXH-230FC (Developed and manufactured by AVIX)Fuel Cell: 4000W fuel cell system / 9-liter high-pressure oxygen bottle (Developed by ITRI Materials and Technology Division)Takeoff Weight: 28.45 kgPrimary Mission: Dropping a medical box at the mountain hutTakeoff Point: Qingye Farm (2000m - 2100m)Return Point: Xinda Mountain Hut (3167m)Drop Height: 3246m + 79mDistance Between Locations: 11 kmFlight Time: 35 minutes (round trip)Mission Goal: Medical rescue and logistics support for remote mountain and island areas