Chinese UCAV/CCA/flying wing drones (ISR, A2A, A2G) thread

[ougoah]

Given Chinese advancements in drones, a bit surprised that they didn't include any unmanned aircraft in the flying display. Their ground-based tracked drones were also carried by trucks. Would have been cool if they'd had those guys at least driving along autonomously.

All aircraft in the parade flying overhead must be manned. That's just how they set up the parade.

They could have had them flying elsewhere but they've never done a parade where it was in separate locations. Everything had to parade through the Tianamen frontage and everything in the air must be manned for whatever reason. Some are obvious.

 

[xmupzx]

I think, without going out on a limb, this statement is almost definitely false! At least the smaller drones and the GJ-11J/-21 aren't real...

This is what 人畜无害遥感星 said, and I think he knows more than we all do

 

[Deino]

Ones this years have unit numbers!!! Hopefully someone can tell which brigade they are from.

53x3x refers to a Western Theater Command HQ subordinated UAV Brigade (per my information) based at Zhangye/South-East and Hotan. So far it is confirmed operating BZK-005, BZK-006?, GJ-1 and GJ-2.

 

[Deino]

This is what 人畜无害遥感星 said, and I think he knows more than we all do

Pardon who is "人畜无害遥感星" (= Harmless Remote Sensing Satellite)? But regardless whatever anyone says ... just look at them!

 

[ougoah]

I think, without going out on a limb, this statement is almost definitely false! At least the smaller drones and the GJ-11J/-21 aren't real...

Agreed. GJ-11, the Type C and Type D medium sized CCAs should be mockups. The heavy CCAs might be actual UAV. Lots more detail compared to the mockup ones.

Begs the question why reveal the actual heavy CCAs in real form albeit only two angles with any decent view and keep the medium guys' details hidden. Might be China's attritable air combat assets and more sensitive as a result. The two heavy CCAs look very similar to 5th gen and 6th gen fighters with elements shown in both.

6th gen control and aerodynamics. Sensors used on 5th gen fighters are clearly visible. Also much more control surface details than the medium CCAs which are clearly mockups

 

[KFX]

All aircraft in the parade flying overhead must be manned. That's just how they set up the parade.

They could have had them flying elsewhere but they've never done a parade where it was in separate locations. Everything had to parade through the Tianamen frontage and everything in the air must be manned for whatever reason. Some are obvious.

Sure, definitely a wise safety precaution, but would be a great statement if pilots were comfortable flying in formation with CCAs in an event like this.

 

[ougoah]

Sure, definitely a wise safety precaution, but would be a great statement if pilots were comfortable flying in formation with CCAs in an event like this.

Capable saboteurs or foreign efforts could potentially disrupt them at best or fly them into crowds at worst if they somehow gain control. There's always a non-zero chance considering unknown unknowns. So there is zero risk tolerance for this.

 

[Deino]

By the way, did we get any hints on designation and or more specific role so far?

 

[lcloo]

I think GJ-11 was for airforce and "GJ-21" is for navy. If we can have a clear photo of "GJ-21" with arrester hook and catapult "locking hook", then that would be the confirmation. Previous photo of "GJ-11" in Changxing shipyard where type 076 was built might be "GJ-21".

 

[Deino]

I think GJ-11 was for airforce and "GJ-21" is for navy. If we can have a clear photo of "GJ-21" with arrester hook and catapult "locking hook", then that would be the confirmation. Previous photo of "GJ-11" in Changxing shipyard where type 076 was built might be "GJ-21".

I think it is already confirmed since the wing geometry is clearly not a regular GJ-11 ... however is the designation GJ-21 official?