A WZ-2000 modle was on display at the 2004 Zhuahi Airshow. Also known as WZ-9, this multi-purpose 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 two "V" shaped tailfins extending 30-40° outwards to reduce both radar and IR signatures. WZ-2000 carries a large satallite communication antenna inside its head bulge for real-time transimission of images and ELINT data back to the ground control station. It also carries EO sensors such as thermal imaging camera or synthetic apperture radar under its nose. WZ-2000 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, loitering time 3hr. The development of this UAV would also provide valuable experience for future stealth cruise missiles. WZ-9A first flew on December 26, 2003. An improved version (WZ-9B?) might have flown by the end of 2005. It was reported that WZ-9 entered limited service with PLA Department of Chief Staff in 2007 and conducts only strategic reconnaissance missions. In addition, CAC is also developing a similar but probably more advanced stealth UAV. A prototype had been built by April 2008. Its exact designation is still unknown.
