Stealth drone's trial lands desired results

China's CH-7 high-altitude, high-speed drone recently conducted its maiden flight in a northwestern province, according to the China Academy of Aerospace Aerodynamics which designed and built the pilotless aircraft.

According to the academy, a subsidiary of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp, the CH-7 has a flying wing design and is equipped with mission payloads such as optical and infrared sensors, offering long flight time, high operational altitude, and strong mission capabilities.

The drone is suitable for tasks including target monitoring and information support, the academy said. In upcoming tests, engineers will evaluate the CH-7's flight performance and its mission payloads' capabilities.

The CH-7 was unveiled at the 12th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in November 2018, drawing attention and speculation about its missions. Information from the exhibition detailed the specs of the aircraft, which include a wingspan of 27.3 meters, a maximum takeoff weight of 8 metric tons, a cruise speed of 612 kilometers per hour, a top flight altitude of about 16 km, and a maximum endurance of 16 hours per flight.

Li Jianhua, a project leader, said engineers used the first flight to test autonomous takeoff and landing, in-flight position control, communications, and remote control and tracking.

"Compared with other drone models, the CH-7 uses a tailless flying wing configuration and other sophisticated technologies, which means its flight tests involve more challenges and risks," he said, noting the first flight achieved the desired results.

An aviation industry insider, speaking on condition of anonymity, told China Daily, "The CH-7 can survive high-risk environments and infiltrate enemy air defense layers thanks to its sophisticated stealth design. It will mainly be used for strategic reconnaissance and surveillance, early-warning and electronic warfare operations, and guiding precision strike munitions toward high-value targets."

The insider added that the stealth drone has significant potential for modifications, such as an internal weapons bay or other specialized equipment. "The CH-7 can meet market demand for high-end stealth drones. As far as I know, many domestic and foreign clients have shown great interest in the type," he said.

The Beijing-based academy began researching and developing CH drones in 1999 after its engineers realized their expertise in aerodynamics and missile design could also be applied to unmanned aircraft. Since then, the research complex has built a large portfolio of military drones, ranging from small models for battlefield reconnaissance to large, sophisticated ones capable of penetrating enemy air defenses to strike targets.

To date, the academy has sold more than 200 mid-sized and large combat drones to over 10 nations. The aircraft have logged around 70,000 combat hours over nearly 12,000 sorties and fired more than 2,000 munitions, achieving a 98.2 percent successful hit rate, the academy said.