China has developed a new advanced combat drone

China Academy of Aerospace Aerodynamics, one of China's largest military drone manufacturers, has developed a new advanced combat drone, called the CH-9.

CH-9 is the newest member of the CH fleet—which means Caihong or rainbow, according to the Beijing-based academy, a subsidiary of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. It is 12 meters long. The distance between the two wings is about 25 meters. It has more capacity than previous drones in this series. CH-9 is capable of flying up to 11,500 kilometers when weapons are loaded. Aerospace Aerodynamics also said that it can stay afloat for up to 40 hours.

Powered by a turboprop engine, the drone has a maximum takeoff weight of 5 metric tons. It has eight gun panels under its wings. It is capable of carrying a total of 490 kg of ammunition including air-to-air and anti-ship missiles, bombs, torpedoes and loitering.

CH-9 will be able to make some decisions on the battlefield in real time. It can automatically detect the target and adjust the flight route.

CAH-9 project engineer Song Fangchao said that in addition to surveillance, reconnaissance and attack, the drone will also be able to perform some early warning tasks. It is larger than its predecessors and capable of carrying out diverse missions.

In 1999, Beijing Academy CH began researching drones. China later began exporting combat drones to foreign militaries in 2003 and has sold CH drones to more than 10 countries in Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

Song said the CH-series drones have been hailed by foreign clients as sharp weapons in counter-terrorism operations.

Source: CMG