UAV/UCAV III

  • Recent news indicated the Divine Dragon OTV (Project 921-706?) similar to American X-37B was launched vertically into the orbit using a CZ-2F rocket on September 4, 2020 and landed horizontally on September 6, 2020. The OTV was launched successfully into the space again on August 4, 2022 and returned to earth on May 8, 2023. Divine Drangon is thought to feature a pair solar panels attached to the booster stage in order to extend its orbit duration.
  • Recent images (June 2020) suggested that a shipborne VTUAV (AR-2000?) similar to American MQ-8B is being developed for PLAN by the 602 Institute. It features an EO turret and a surface search radar under the nose. Its slim fuselage appears to have been optimized for stealth. Its engine might be a single WZ-8D turboshaft. It also features a pair of stub wings carrying up to 6 ASMs. The VTUAV is expected to be stationed onboard the new Type 075 LHD and Type 055 DDG. The latest video (August 2023) indicated that at least one VTUAV has been stationed onboard the Hainan LHD, wearing a dark blue color scheme.
  • A large MALE/HALE UCAV based on CASC CH-9 is expected to be unveiled at the 2024 Zhuhai Airshow. Some specifications (CH-9): wing span, 24.8m, MTOW 5t, max payload 480kg, , max speed 420km/h, ceiling 11,000m, max endurance 40h, max range 11,500km, combat radius 300km/2000km. The UCAV is speculated to be entering the service with PLAAF as GJ-X (?), wearing a low-visibility insignia. Similar to GJ-2, GJ-X is equipped with a SATCOM antenna, an SAR antenna and an EO turret. The UCAV is powered by a domestic turboprop engine (AEP80? 800kw) with a 5-blade propeller.
  • The latest satellite image (May 2025) suggested that an intercontinental HALE reconnaissance/AEW UAV (WZ-X?) is being evaluated by PLAAF. WZ-X features a flying wing stealth design similar to that of American RQ-180 but larger. Its wing span is estimated to be 52m, range >20,000km.
  • The latest video (July 2025) suggested that a Royal Wingman/CCA prototype controled by AI has been under development. It features a modified tailless delta wing design. The CCA is expected to fly in formations under the control of a J-20S airborne command post.
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