Recently, a large four-engine UAV independently developed by China with complete intellectual property rights made its first flight in Sichuan. It is understood that the "Twin-tailed Scorpion D" that successfully made its first flight this time is the world's first large-scale four-engine, multi-purpose, medium-altitude long-endurance fixed-wing UAV system. The aircraft has a wingspan of 20 meters, a length of 10.5 meters, a height of 3.1 meters, a maximum take-off weight of 4.35 tons, a maximum payload of 1.5 tons, and a maximum loading space of 5 cubic meters.
Chinese UAV/UCAV development
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Recently, a large four-engine UAV independently developed by China with complete intellectual property rights made its first flight in Sichuan. It is understood that the "Twin-tailed Scorpion D" that successfully made its first flight this time is the world's first large-scale four-engine, multi-purpose, medium-altitude long-endurance fixed-wing UAV system. The aircraft has a wingspan of 20 meters, a length of 10.5 meters, a height of 3.1 meters, a maximum take-off weight of 4.35 tons, a maximum payload of 1.5 tons, and a maximum loading space of 5 cubic meters.
More images of TB0D.
Does anyone know if there are any interesting air-launched missiles weighing 1.5 tons?
The configuration of the UAVs cargo bay and cargo bay doors at present isn't configured for carrying large single payloads like large missiles or weapons.
But sure, obviously there are multiple weapons in the 1.5 ton or below category.
Right, there is currently a bulkhead between each cargo bay, I suppose some bomb bay doors can be added to make a cheap bomber, light missile truck, or suicide drone carrier.
This thing is amazing, you could add seats and have a squad of paratroopers jump out.
If it wasn’t for that pesky nose wheel, this UAV could hang large and long weapons where the cargo bay is.
This is only a 4ton MTOW class UAV, and relatively simple.
An okay place to start for trialling the use of fixed wing UAVs for more proper cargo transport, but still very small compared to proper transport aircraft.
There's no need to ascribe it too many ambitious roles.
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