In the context of the globally advocated low-altitude economy, various aerial economies will experience new development. Aerial cargo containers, such as airdrop boxes or logistics boxes, will also receive increased attention and application. Currently, airdrop boxes are mainly made of plastic, but they have significant limitations, which restrict the further development of the low-altitude economy.

I. Key Issues with Rotational Molding Airdrop Boxes that Need to be Addressed:

1.       Weight Issue: Although rotational molding materials have a low density (0.93-0.97 g/cm³), to meet GJB impact resistance standards, the box walls must be thickened by over 30%, which significantly increases the weight. For example, a 40kg load airdrop box can weigh up to 19kg, which greatly reduces transport efficiency by 12%.

2.       Poor Weather Resistance: Polyethylene materials are highly susceptible to brittleness below -20°C, and high-temperature exposure (>60°C) can cause box deformation, and even cause the box lid to become stuck and unable to open. In cold-climate rescue or desert missions, such failures could lead to mission failure.

3.       Weak Chemical Corrosion Resistance: When exposed to fuel, disinfectants, or coastal salt mist environments over a long period, rotational molded boxes can suffer from surface erosion, powdering, and strength degradation. The typical lifespan is usually under 5 years.

II. Carbon Fiber Airdrop Boxes as a New Composite Material Solution:

Using carbon fiber, a new composite material, with its lightweight, strong, and weather-resistant advantages, can easily solve the issues that rotational molding airdrop boxes cannot.

1.       Weight Reduction of Carbon Fiber Airdrop Boxes: The density of carbon fiber (around 1.6 g/cm³) is only 1/5 that of steel and 1/2 that of aluminum, but its tensile strength is 4-5 times greater than that of steel. Through composite structural design (such as a carbon fiber skeleton with polyurethane filling), it is possible to reduce weight by 30% while improving impact resistance, meeting the 15-meter drop test requirements for airdrop boxes. For example, a product we manufacture reduces weight by 40%.

2.       Extreme Environmental Adaptability of Carbon Fiber Airdrop Boxes: Corrosion Resistance and Temperature Resistance: Carbon fiber is resistant to chemical corrosion (such as concentrated acids and salt mist), and after modification, the temperature range extends from -40°C to 150°C. For example, a carbon fiber box with polyurethane foam filling offers both sealing and insulation, preventing medication spoilage.

3.       Precise Delivery and Cost Optimization: Indirect Contribution: The weight reduction improves the endurance and load efficiency of drones, indirectly reducing the per-airdrop cost.

4.       Reusability and Maintenance: Lifespan Advantage: Carbon fiber exhibits excellent fatigue resistance, with a service life of up to 20 years (while traditional plastic boxes typically last 5-8 years).

III. Advantages and Disadvantages of Carbon Fiber Airdrop Boxes:

Advantages:

·       Lightweight and High Strength: Carbon fiber material can reduce weight by over 40%, with a strength increase of 3 times, significantly reducing transport energy consumption.

·       Environmental Tolerance: Resistant to corrosion, UV aging, and suitable for humid/salty/marine/high-temperature environments.

·       Impact Resistance: The energy absorption rate is 3-5 times that of steel, with a drop test breakage rate of less than 0.5%.

·       Multi-functional Integration: Supports modular design (such as quick-detach structures and independent power compartments) and is adaptable to drone platforms.

Disadvantages:

·       High Cost: The cost of raw materials was high 5 years ago, but with advancements in domestic carbon fiber precursor technology and scalability, the prices have become more affordable.

·       Processing Sensitivity: Manufacturers without sufficient experience may cause defects such as delamination, affecting overall sealing integrity.

·       Limited High-Temperature Resistance: The resin matrix has an upper limit of 150°C for long-term use, and special high-temperature versions come at a higher price.

IV. Future of Carbon Fiber Airdrop Boxes:

Many of the above disadvantages are being addressed through new technological breakthroughs. In the near future, carbon fiber airdrop boxes and carbon fiber logistics transport boxes will become mainstream due to the economic benefits brought by their lightweight nature in the low-altitude economy.

For example, new composite structures (like carbon fiber skeletons with polyurethane filling) are being tried to reduce carbon fiber usage by 30%, enabling a 20% cost reduction. Additionally, special treatments are being applied to the surface of carbon fiber airdrop boxes or logistics transport boxes to enhance shock resistance and scratch resistance. These advancements make carbon fiber boxes a highly cost-effective solution for the low-altitude economy. For instance, customizable waterproof carbon fiber boxes, shockproof carbon fiber boxes, and impact-resistant carbon fiber boxes are all potential future applications.