The S1500 turbine, developed in China by Beijing SAWES Energy Technology Co., Ltd. in collaboration with Tsinghua University and the Aerospace Information Research Institute (AIR), is the world’s first megawatt-scale airborne wind turbine.
The system, measuring 60 meters in length and 40 meters in width and height, uses a Zeppelin-like design with a main airfoil and an annular wing to form a duct housing 12 turbine-generator units (each 100 kW).
The S1500 captures powerful, steady high-altitude winds, transmitting energy to the ground via a kilometer-scale high-voltage tether. Compared to traditional turbines, it reduces material use by 40% and electricity costs by 30%, while offering rapid deployment—ideal for remote areas or disaster response.