We don't have the chart associated but the 5+ on the top image could be a small jet engine ?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.
Chinese UAV/UCAV development
- Thread starter AssassinsMace
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Possibly, but I dont really see a lot of volume for fuel storage (unless the wings double as fuel tanks)
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.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.
Furthermore, I would suggest it will be carried by flankers/bombers and act as a dedicated helicopter/drone killer rather than a flying pylon
Is this accurate, or is the article blurring the super/hypersonic distinction?
Does anyone have this citation? That sounds like the "tic tac!"
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.
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.
It could also be a target drone.
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.
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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