Cloud-seeding plane makes maiden flight

A Chinese-made Modern Ark 60 (MA60) cloud seeding plane lands at Hohhot Baita International Airport on March 20. [Photo/zgqxb.com.cn]

A Chinese-made Modern Ark 60 (MA60) cloud seeding aircraft made its maiden flight for atmospheric soundings in the skies over Hohhot, capital of North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region, on April 3. 

Organized by the weather modification office of the Inner Mongolia and local civil departments, officials said the MA60 flight laid a firm foundation for the aircraft's further cloud seeding operations, helping enhance the capabilities of weather modification in Inner Mongolia.

According to China Meteorological Administration, the cloud seeding aircraft can reach a top altitude of more than 8,000 meters and can meet flight and landing requirements in complex weather conditions. 

The aircraft landed at Hohhot on March 20 this year, and is expected to help increase the region's rainfall, as well as tackle drought, reduce the risk of forest fires and help with ecological programs in the region.