China has developed its first helicopter-borne geophysical electromagnetic detection device capable of “seeing” beneath the Earth’s surface.
Developed by the Aerospace Information Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the system is expected to support key national railway infrastructure projects, particularly in challenging terrains, and precisely detect and map underground geological features such as faults, fractures, groundwater reserves, and mineral deposits.
This capability is considered vital for identifying potential geological hazards and optimizing construction planning.The system, which has full intellectual property rights, features high-sensitivity magnetic field sensors, large dynamic range signal reception, and a stable airborne pod platform.
China built a helicopter that can “see” beneath the Earth
The research team deployed the system in a high-altitude, frigid terrain at 16,400 feet above sea level. Nearly two months and 30 flights later, they covered a survey area of over 3,000 miles. The system reached a maximum observation depth of more than 9,800 feet, providing extensive geological data to support infrastructure planning and execution.
A standout feature is the system’s ability to analyze variations in the electrical properties of underground materials, allowing for the identification of mineral resources, water reserves, and geological structures. The revolutionary technology offers high-resolution imaging, rapid data collection, and extensive coverage, making it a valuable tool for resource exploration and engineering assessments.
The system can also survey remote and inaccessible regions. Traditional ground-based surveying methods are often constrained by geographical barriers, particularly in areas such as plateaus, dense forests, deserts, and swamps. The aerial nature of this new detection system overcomes these challenges, enabling thorough geological evaluations in difficult environments.
China’s first helicopter airborne magnetotelluric detection system has been successfully applied to a plateau railway construction project, the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Aerospace Information Research Institute (AIR) said on Tuesday https://t.co/JKZxxgj3UN pic.twitter.com/qpMpMJnbvS
— China Xinhua News (@XHNews) February 18, 2025
Growing technological capabilities
As China continues to expand its transportation networks and other critical infrastructure, the deployment of tools such as helicopter-borne electromagnetic detection is likely to play a significant role. The ability to gather precise geological data in extreme conditions represents a step forward in engineering and resource management.
“We will continue advancing the iterative development and technological innovation of this system to support national major engineering projects and mineral resource exploration,” said Huang Liang, an associate researcher at the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Aerospace Information Research Institute.
The technology could also have applications beyond infrastructure planning, including environmental monitoring and disaster prevention. This development underscores China’s efforts to advance geophysical surveying techniques and improve geological exploration efficiency. It also highlights their recent efforts to move to the forefront of the world in all aspects of technology, as evidenced by the recent success of DeepSeek AI.