You need the networking to make that viable, and at the end of the day you're probably still better off with a dedicated UAV for that role unless one is happy to simply use the converted unmanned J-11 as a glorified suicide drone.
Chinese UCAV/CCA/Loyal Wingman (sensor, A2A and A2G) thread
- Thread starter VESSEL
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You need the networking to make that viable, and at the end of the day you're probably still better off with a dedicated UAV for that role unless one is happy to simply use the converted unmanned J-11 as a glorified suicide drone.
Yes, but they're not proper loyal wingman UAVs/UCAVs and it's a very minor sideshow compared to the true potential of a proper family of dedicated, designed for purpose loyal wingman UAVs/UCAVs.
It's a "could be neat" rather than "this should form the core of the capability in the near future".
So there was reports of China developing AI for air to air combat though in that case for loyal wingman UAV. If such AI would be capable enough, and converting a manned fighter with fly-by-wire only requires limited modification to cockpit, I don't see why it can't be used as drone when pilots are more needed elsewhere.
Of course that's assuming the economics of such conversion works out. If a high intensity conflict is expected soon and the life expectance for frontline fighters especially unmanned ones is not optimistic, converting manned fighter might very likely be more economic (and less time consuming) than building brand new drones.
Of course that's assuming the economics of such conversion works out. If a high intensity conflict is expected soon and the life expectance for frontline fighters especially unmanned ones is not optimistic, converting manned fighter might very likely be more economic (and less time consuming) than building brand new drones.
A model UAV seen at CASC's booth at an exhibit. Is this a recent exhibit? Does anyone have more information?
Looks almost like a VG-wing?
Almost certainly is given the cavity on the sides of the body.
Now I'm curious, how big is this thing supposed to be?
Probably flies at supersonic speeds given it has a VG wing.
by78
General
Strange design. I wonder how the cavities would affect its aerodynamics, although the wings would be extended only at lower speeds.
But there is another strange feature. See the part marked in red below. It appears to be a standalone part –– narrow and straight –– that goes from the aft part of the cavity to the front at a slight angle. Not sure what that might be. A control surface? Part of the swing wing mechanism? Some sort of aerodynamic device?
WTF... U.S. intelligence seems to suggest WZ-8 flew over South Korea and Taiwan. The routes are "projected" and "not necessarily authoritative," but worth a look if anyone is interested.
Funny the intelligence had a typo on Lu'an AB by spelling it as Liuan.
Strange design. I wonder how the cavities would affect its aerodynamics, although the wings would be extended only at lower speeds.
But there is another strange feature. See the part marked in red below. It appears to be a standalone part –– narrow and straight –– that goes from the aft part of the cavity to the front at a slight angle. Not sure what that might be. A control surface? Part of the swing wing mechanism? Some sort of aerodynamic device?
It looks to me like a "diamondback" style wing like what we've seen on the SDB-I before.
I wonder how far the wings can fold out -- whether the model depicts it at maximum extension or moderate.
I suspect if it was folded inwards fully the main wings would be swept much further back.
The overall geometry of the drone is also a bit odd, it's not clear to me if it is likely to be a relatively small sized UAV or something larger.