Chinese UAV/UCAV development

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Atomicfrog

Captain
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I don't have access to the paper, but the illustrations seem to depict an expendable drone that can be released from helicopters, airplanes, or maybe even larger drones. I can't be sure, but it doesn't appear to be powered or have its own targeting system, so I assume it's controlled remotely – basically acting as flying pylons.

51875912988_74dcc43a9f_o.jpg
We don't have the chart associated but the 5+ on the top image could be a small jet engine ?
 

Philister

Junior Member
Registered Member
I don't have access to the paper, but the illustrations seem to depict an expendable drone that can be released from helicopters, airplanes, or maybe even larger drones. I can't be sure, but it doesn't appear to be powered or have its own targeting system, so I assume it's controlled remotely – basically acting as flying pylons.

51875912988_74dcc43a9f_o.jpg

51875912963_a234cccc61_o.jpg
I personally think this would be ,like the image demonstrated ,using TY-90 , for it’s the only A2A munition China had that wouldn’t tip this fragile platform over after ignition.
Furthermore, I would suggest it will be carried by flankers/bombers and act as a dedicated helicopter/drone killer rather than a flying pylon
 

Godstar23

Just Hatched
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The PLA established its first unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) squadron in 2011, with nearly 70 hypersonic drones based on the air force’s retired J-6 and J-7 platforms at its base in the northwestern province of Gansu, according to observations by the Taiwanese defence ministry.
Is this accurate, or is the article blurring the super/hypersonic distinction?
Other Chinese unmanned platforms in operation or under construction include surface vessels, long-distance gliders that can cross an ocean to gather information, a research station on the deep sea floor of the South China Sea, and a UFO-like drone that can both fly and cruise underwater, according to the journal.
Does anyone have this citation? That sounds like the "tic tac!"
 

reservior dogs

Junior Member
Registered Member
A new supersonic turbofan powered drone.


A few points from the video.

1. they named it rain swallow.
2. the drone is launched with vehicle and some apparatus and recovered via parachutes.
3. could be a recon drone or a suicide cruise missile.
4. Longer duration and range than the rocket powered supersonic drones due to the turbofan engine.
 

para80

Junior Member
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1. they named it rain swallow.
2. the drone is launched with vehicle and some apparatus and recovered via parachutes.
3. could be a recon drone or a suicide cruise missile.
4. Longer duration and range than the rocket powered supersonic drones due to the turbofan engine.

It could also be a target drone.
 

ougoah

Brigadier
Registered Member
That video mentioned a few interesting points (it's also worth noting the host is state sponsored leaker/commentator with more accurate info than fanboys with only forum level platforms).

No supersonic drones except D-21 and WZ-8. WZ-8 being rocket powered limits how long it can loiter or how its travel patterns are - lots of movement means less range and time in the air, more range means less speed etc. This new supersonic drone has better loiter time and range. The reason for extremely limited D-21 usefulness and any other propelled supersonic drone is size. Fuel carried to have long range, good loiter time, high speed means the drone is larger than ideal. This has some combined cycle engine? iirc. Making best use of turbofan combined with some other form of propulsion either ramjet or rocket.

Could simply be a replacement-supplement for WZ-8... a superior platform for the same role. WZ-8 has been used before 2019 as the Chinese were comfortable enough to announce. To even say it's flown many SCS and cross Taiwan missions without interception, implying indirectly the WZ-8 has not been detected. But then again this is something the Chinese side won't really know since the US is not obliged to inform anyone they have the means of detecting and tracking those WZ-8s.
 
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