China's first excavation-blasting machine, the "Xianglong," was officially unveiled in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province. Jointly developed by Tsinghua University and China Railway Science & Industry Group, the machine integrates mechanical excavation with controlled blasting technology, filling a gap in integrated construction equipment for tunneling in complex geological conditions.

It features an innovative hollow cutterhead structure that can flexibly switch between multiple operating modes. Tests show that, with advanced pre-splitting treatment, the machine can increase tunneling efficiency by 30% in extremely hard rock conditions. It can also process excavated rock into construction aggregates, enabling on-site recycling and supporting low-carbon, green construction.

Industry experts noted that the machine addresses long-standing efficiency and safety challenges associated with traditional tunneling methods in complex geological conditions. It will soon be deployed in a key pumped-storage hydropower project and is expected to support future infrastructure projects in transportation, water conservancy, and deep underground resource development.