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 Dragon is thought to feature a pair solar panels attached to the booster stage in order to extend its orbit duration.
  • 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.
  • A recent satellite image (May 2025) suggested that an intercontinental HALE reconnaissance/AEW UAV (WZ-X?) is being evaluated by PLAAF. WZ-X appears to feature a twin engine, stealth flying wing design similar to that of American RQ-180 but larger. Its wing span is estimated to be 52m, range >20,000km.
  • Recent videos and photos emerging between July and August 2025 suggested that multiple types of UCAV and collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) are either under development or in service with PLAAF. Controlled by remote workstations/onboard AI, these UCAVs and CCAs can fly alongside with manned aircraft to further enhance their combat effectiveness and survivability. Similar to GJ-11, the CCAs are also speculated to be able to fly in formations under the control of a J-20S airborne command post via network.
    1. Type A is thought to be a large supersonic UCAV or “unmanned air dominance fighter”. It features tailless lambda wings which may be partially foldable, all moving wingtips, two internal weapon bays on both sides, two caret engine intakes and a single WS-10C class engine without a TVC nozzle. Type A is believed to be in service with PLAAF stationed in Southwest China (S/N 53x3x). Type A is speculated to have been developed by 601/SAC and adopts some 6-generation fighter technologies.
    2. Type B is also a large supersonic UCAV or “unmanned air dominance fighter”. It features tailless diamond wings, all moving wingtips, an EOTS under the nose, MADL antennas outside the engine intakes, dorsal EO turrets, an internal weapon bay in the belly, two DSIs and a single WS-10C class engine without a TVC nozzle. Type B is believed to be in service with PLAAF stationed in Southwest China (S/N 53x3x). Type B is speculated to have been developed by 611/CAC and adopts some 6-generation fighter technologies. A satellite image released in July 2021 showed a prototype was being tested at CAC.
    3. Type C* is thought to be a CCA or “unmanned wingman”. It features jagged swept wings, canted tail fins, a dorsal engine intake and a single engine. Type C appears similar to the earlier FH-97.
    4. Type D is also a CCA or “unmanned wingman”. It features swept wings, canted tail fins, an internal weapon bay, a dorsal engine intake and a single engine. It appears similar to American XQ-58A. Type D is believed to be in service with PLAAF stationed in Southwest China (S/N 53x3x).
    5. Type E is yet another CCA or “unmanned wingman”. It features diamond wings, canted tail fins, a dorsal engine intake and a single engine. Type E is believed to be in service with PLAAF stationed in Southwest China (S/N 53x3x).
          *All except Type C were unveiled at the 80th VJ Day Parade on September 3, 2025.
  • Images first disclosed in June 2020 indicated that a shipborne VTUAV (AR-2000?) similar to American MQ-8B was being developed for PLAN by the 602 Institute. It features an EO turret and a surface search radar under the nose, plus bar shaped ESM antennas on both sides of the fuselage. Its engine might be a single WZ-8D turboshaft. It may 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 one VTUAV prototype was evaluated onboard the Hainan LHD, wearing a dark blue color scheme. The shipborne VTUAV is thought to be in service with PLAN, wearing a light gray color scheme and a 2-digit code (S/N H65120xx). It was unveiled at the 80th VJ Day Parade on September 3, 2025.


Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)