The "attendant" unmanned aerial vehicle during the test flight. Recently, a technology company in the United States announced that it has completed the first flight test of its "Attendant" wing ground effect unmanned aerial vehicle developed for the US Department of Defense. The wing ground effect refers to the phenomenon where when an aircraft is flying at low altitude, the airflow below the wing generates a reactive force on the ground, increasing the pressure difference between the upper and lower wings, thereby causing an increase in lift and a decrease in drag. This can enable heavy aircraft to take off smoothly and continue flying at a certain altitude. The "attendant" has a maximum speed of 148 kilometers per hour, a maximum range of 185 kilometers, and a payload of 23 kilograms. It can perform diversified tasks such as intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, logistics transportation, and combat search and rescue. After the first test flight is completed, the company will gradually verify the autonomous control, avionics system, and operational range of this drone, enhance its autonomy and combat capabilities, and meet the capability requirements for supporting US military maritime operations. In addition, the company's other new wing ground effect drone was also favored and awarded a contract by the US Marine Corps Combat Laboratory last year, and is currently undergoing testing. (Looking into the New Era)