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 Harpy
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The first picture of a Harpy UAV launch vehicle carrying multiple box launchers in service
with PLA Army is shown here. Acquired secretly from Israel in 1994, this highly classified UAV/missile was unknown to
the West until 2004. Developed by IAI in the early 90s, Harpy is the first UAV
which features a passive radar seeker and can be used as a long-range anti-radiation weapon to attack enemy radar stations.
Its range is 500km, max speed 185km/hr, warhead 32kg. In 2004 Chinese were trying have them upgraded by Israeils but
the attempt was uncovered and subsequently stopped by the US government. All UAVs were returned to China without any
upgrades.
- Last Updated 11/10/09 |
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BZK-005 Giant Eagle
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A rare view of BZK-005 UAV in service with PLA Department of Chief Staff is shown here.
BZK-005 was developed by BUAA and HAIG in early 2000s as a medium/high altitude
long range reconnaissance UAV for strategic missions. Its prototype was unveiled briefly in an AVIC promotional video
at the 2006 Zhuhai International Airshow. The UAV features a stealth optimized fuselage, a three propeller pusher
engine, and twin tail booms with V-shaped tailfins. A SATCOM antenna is thought to be installed inside the nose bulge,
which provides live data transmission over thousands of kilometers. A small turret is installed underneath the nose
housing the FLIR/CCD cameras. Those can be used for photo reconnaissance if needed. The UAV also features a large
wingspan and a fuel efficient turboprop (?) engine, and is constructed using a large amount of composite
materials. These help to increase its range and cruising altitude, while reduce its RCS. Its specifications are:
cruising speed 150-180km/hr, service ceiling 8,000m, endurance 40hr, max TO weight <1,250kg, max payload >150kg, TO
distance <600m, landing distance <500m.
- Last Updated 10/21/09 |
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BZK-006/WZ-6
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A PLA Army BZK-006 (WZ-6 or K/JWR6?) tactical reconnaissance UAV was on display during
the 60th National Day military parade on October 1, 2009 onboard its launch vehicle. This light-weight medium-range
UAV has been evolved from the earlier ASN-206/207 developed in mid-90s by Northwest Polytechnic University (NTU).
BZK-006 carries a small turret underneath the nose housing the FLIR/CCD
cameras for day and night missions. It can also carry a small ground surveillance radar as well. A mushroom
shaped communication antenna is installed on top of the head section which provides the real-time datalink
between the UAV and the command & control vehicle. Some specifications: length 4.3m, height 1.5m, endurance 12hr.
BZK-006 is powered by a 4-cylinder piston engine. It uses rocket assisted take off (RATO) and parachute
landing.
- Last Updated 10/21/09 |
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BZK-009/WZ-9
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A WZ-2000 model was on display at the 2004 Zhuahi Airshow. Also known as WZ-9 (K/JWR9?), this reconnaissance stealth UAV has been under development
at GAIC since 1999. Its stealth design features a fuselage with a flat bottom surface blended seamlessly with
long swept wings to reduce RCS (<1m2 head-on). A single turbofan engine (WS-11) sits on top of the
tail section with its intake shielded by the wing section and its exhaust nozzle shielded by twin "V" shaped
tailfins extending 30-40° outwards to reduce both radar and IR signatures. WZ-9 carries a large
satallite communication antenna inside its nose bulge for real-time transimission of images and ELINT data
back to the ground control station. It also carries FLIR and CCD cameras inside a turret underneath its nose
for navigation and photo reconnaissance. A synthetic apperture radar (SAR) can be installed under its fuselage
as well. WZ-9 looks generally similar to American Global Hawk long-range stealth UAV but has a
smaller size and shorter range. Some specifications: length 7.5m, wingspan 9.8m, max TO weight 1.7t, mission
payload 80kg, max level speed 800km/h, ceiling 18,000m, combat radius 800km, endurance 3hr. The development
of this UAV would also provide valuable experience for future stealth cruise missiles. WZ-9 first
flew on December 26, 2003. Its improved version (BZK-009) first flew in 2006. The UAV entered limited
service with PLA Department of Chief Staff in 2007 and conducts only strategic reconnaissance missions.
Besides GAIC, CAC is also developing a similar stealth UAV. A prototype had been
built by April 2008. High speed taxiing took place in September 2008. The UAV has been called Sky Wing.
The latest news suggested that another UAV (Soaring Eagle) jointly developed by 611 Institute and GAIC
first flew in November 2009.
- Last Updated 11/18/09 |
