At the 2014 Zhuhai Airshow, the Wing Loong or Pterodactyl Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) from AVIC was again displayed. However, unlike in Zhuhai Airshow 2012, this time the display model carried the official emblems and insignia of the Chinese Air Force.
This confirms that the Wing Loong UAV has now entered service in China as the unit was pulled from service with number 76024. At the airshow, the UAV was also referred to as GJ-1 (Gongji) in contrast to the past where it was known only as the Wing Loong or Pterodactyl.
The Wing Loong / Pterodactyl / GJ-1 Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAV is designed for persistent Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) thanks to its extended range and endurance. It can carry out a wide range of missions, including battle damage assessment.
Depending on mission, the GJ-1 can be equipped with various electro-optical and other surveillance equipment, including the LE-350, YY-1 and YY-12 pod. The GJ-1 can also be used for precision attack in real-time as it can carry a wide range of precision guided munitions.
Showing posts with label UAV. Show all posts
Showing posts with label UAV. Show all posts
Monday, January 5, 2015
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Xianglong / Soaring Dragon and the Box / Diamond Wing HALE UAV in China
China is currently in the process of testing several High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) which are notable for incorporating the box wing or diamond wing concept.
This feature was first displayed in model form at the Zhuhai Airshows several years ago. Since then, these initial concepts have progressed to the point that actual flying prototypes are now available.
Traditionally, aircraft with very long endurance, including HALE UAVs, had to rely on very long and straight wings. This can be clearly seen in U-2 aircraft during the sixties and more recently in the Global Hawk UAV.
Such as wing configuration gives them the ability to loiter for an extended period thanks to the lift provided by the large wing area without expending a lot of fuel. This is somewhat similar to glider aircraft.
One drawback is that a long wingspan makes the wings very rigid and drag and reduces the maneuverability of the aircraft. High G forces would cause too much stress and the wings would simply break apart.
One alternative approach to solve this problem is known as the box wing or diamond wing concept, which can reduce wingspan and drag, but without sacrificing the advantages offered by longer wings, including extended endurance.
This feature was first displayed in model form at the Zhuhai Airshows several years ago. Since then, these initial concepts have progressed to the point that actual flying prototypes are now available.
Traditionally, aircraft with very long endurance, including HALE UAVs, had to rely on very long and straight wings. This can be clearly seen in U-2 aircraft during the sixties and more recently in the Global Hawk UAV.
Such as wing configuration gives them the ability to loiter for an extended period thanks to the lift provided by the large wing area without expending a lot of fuel. This is somewhat similar to glider aircraft.
One drawback is that a long wingspan makes the wings very rigid and drag and reduces the maneuverability of the aircraft. High G forces would cause too much stress and the wings would simply break apart.
One alternative approach to solve this problem is known as the box wing or diamond wing concept, which can reduce wingspan and drag, but without sacrificing the advantages offered by longer wings, including extended endurance.
Saturday, September 28, 2013
China Deploys BZK-005 / HY-01 MALE UAV For Reconnaisance of Diaoyu / Senkaku Islands
The Chinese BZK-005 / HY-01 Medium Altitude Long Endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicles have been observing the area around the disputed Diaoyu / Senkaku Islands with Japan.
The BZK-005 UAV is able to patrol the area for a very long time thanks to its extended endurance afforded by the use of a turbo-prop driven design which is much longer than most other types of aircraft.
The BZK-005 UAV payload is modular and can be fitted with a electro-optical sensor package mounted below the chin. Information can be fed back using the satellite datalink allowing China to keep track of developments in real-time.
The use of UAVs in territorial disputes such as in the South China Sea is one of the advantages China has over other countries which do not possess such abilities or only to a much lower extent. China is also rapidly expanding its fleet and capabilities of its UAVs.
The BZK-005 UAV is able to patrol the area for a very long time thanks to its extended endurance afforded by the use of a turbo-prop driven design which is much longer than most other types of aircraft.
The BZK-005 UAV payload is modular and can be fitted with a electro-optical sensor package mounted below the chin. Information can be fed back using the satellite datalink allowing China to keep track of developments in real-time.
The use of UAVs in territorial disputes such as in the South China Sea is one of the advantages China has over other countries which do not possess such abilities or only to a much lower extent. China is also rapidly expanding its fleet and capabilities of its UAVs.
Monday, June 3, 2013
MiG To Continue Development Based On Skat UCAV
Russia has given the MiG Corporation permission to develop an Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) based on the Skat prototype it had previously demonstrated.
The Skat is designed to attack both mobile and stationary targets on land and sea, especially the suppression of air defense systems in high-threat areas. It can operate autonomously or in conjunction with other manned systems.
The Skat shares a similar low observable, blended, all-wing design that other contemporaries such as the American X-47B. Preliminary specifications suggested the Skat had a:
The MiG Corporation is also looking to sign a contract for the delivery of MiG-35 fighter aircraft, possibly as early as this month in June 2013. They are to be equipped with the Zhuk-AE Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar.
MiG is still busy fulfilling the delivery of MiG-29K/KUB fighters to India's Navy. So far, it has delivered 20 MiG-29K out of a total order for 45 MiG-29K. The Russian Navy recently placed an order for 24 MiG-29K/KUB.
India is busy upgrading its fleet of legacy MiG-29 fighters aircraft with the assistance of the MiG Corporation. The first upgraded MiG-29 were delivered to India and the rest are to be upgraded locally in India.
Once upgraded, the MiG-29UPG will be able to perform both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, unlike the original MiG-29, which was mostly used to intercept enemy aircraft.
http://en.ria.ru/military_news/20130531/181443413/MiG-Signs-Attack-Drone-RD-Contract.html
The Skat is designed to attack both mobile and stationary targets on land and sea, especially the suppression of air defense systems in high-threat areas. It can operate autonomously or in conjunction with other manned systems.
The Skat shares a similar low observable, blended, all-wing design that other contemporaries such as the American X-47B. Preliminary specifications suggested the Skat had a:
- Maximum takeoff weight of 10000 kg
- Payload of 2000 kg
- Range of 4000 km
- Speed of 800 km/hr
- Ceiling of 12000 m
The MiG Corporation is also looking to sign a contract for the delivery of MiG-35 fighter aircraft, possibly as early as this month in June 2013. They are to be equipped with the Zhuk-AE Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar.
MiG is still busy fulfilling the delivery of MiG-29K/KUB fighters to India's Navy. So far, it has delivered 20 MiG-29K out of a total order for 45 MiG-29K. The Russian Navy recently placed an order for 24 MiG-29K/KUB.
India is busy upgrading its fleet of legacy MiG-29 fighters aircraft with the assistance of the MiG Corporation. The first upgraded MiG-29 were delivered to India and the rest are to be upgraded locally in India.
Once upgraded, the MiG-29UPG will be able to perform both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, unlike the original MiG-29, which was mostly used to intercept enemy aircraft.
http://en.ria.ru/military_news/20130531/181443413/MiG-Signs-Attack-Drone-RD-Contract.html
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Australia Looks At Acquiring MQ-4C Triton HALE Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Australia will soon issue a Letter of Request for the FMS Technical Services Case to the United States for detailed cost and capability information of the Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).
This marks the first step in the path to acquiring possibly up to seven UAVs, which Australia had earlier expressed and again reiterated in its recently released Defense White Paper.
The letter does not signify a purchase and Australia is not obligated to purchase the MQ-4C. It can still select some other option, but the MQ-4C is highly favored by Australia's armed forces.
The MQ-4C Triton is a high-altitude, long-endurance (HALE) UAV developed from the RQ-4 Global Hawk primarily for maritime surveillance. Its specifications are:
To perform its tasks, the MQ-4C Triton is equipped with an array of active and passive sensors, including:
The UAVs are primarily intended to help secure Australia's extended coastline. The UAVs are part of Phase 1B of Project AIR 7000 to be followed by the acquisition of up to eight Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.
This is similar to the US Navy. Both the MQ-4C and P-8A are intended to complement one another as part of the US Navy's Broad Area Maritime Surveillance (BAMS) program.
The MQ-4C Triton is not yet in service, even with the US, but only expected to do so in 2015. The US Navy intends to buy 68 MQ-4C Triton's and 117 P-8A Poseidon's.
http://uk.reuters.com/article/2013/05/16/uk-australia-defence-drone-idUKBRE94F04F20130516
This marks the first step in the path to acquiring possibly up to seven UAVs, which Australia had earlier expressed and again reiterated in its recently released Defense White Paper.
The letter does not signify a purchase and Australia is not obligated to purchase the MQ-4C. It can still select some other option, but the MQ-4C is highly favored by Australia's armed forces.
The MQ-4C Triton is a high-altitude, long-endurance (HALE) UAV developed from the RQ-4 Global Hawk primarily for maritime surveillance. Its specifications are:
- Length: 47.6 ft in (14.5 m)
- Wingspan: 130.9 ft in (39.9 m)
- Height: 15.3 ft in (4.7 m)
- Maximum weight: 32250 lb (14628 kg)
- Maximum speed: 357 mph (575 km/h)
- Maximum range: 9950 nautical miles (18427 km)
- Endurance: 30 hours
- Service ceiling: 60000 ft (18288 m)
To perform its tasks, the MQ-4C Triton is equipped with an array of active and passive sensors, including:
- 360-degree Field Of Regard (FOR) sensors
- Multi-Function Active Sensor (MFAS) Maritime Radar
- Electro-Optical / Infrared (EO/IR) sensor
- Automatic Identification System (AIS) receiver
- Electronic Support Measures (ESM)
- Communications relay capability
- beyond line of sight and line of sight communications
The UAVs are primarily intended to help secure Australia's extended coastline. The UAVs are part of Phase 1B of Project AIR 7000 to be followed by the acquisition of up to eight Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.
This is similar to the US Navy. Both the MQ-4C and P-8A are intended to complement one another as part of the US Navy's Broad Area Maritime Surveillance (BAMS) program.
The MQ-4C Triton is not yet in service, even with the US, but only expected to do so in 2015. The US Navy intends to buy 68 MQ-4C Triton's and 117 P-8A Poseidon's.
http://uk.reuters.com/article/2013/05/16/uk-australia-defence-drone-idUKBRE94F04F20130516
Friday, May 17, 2013
X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System Launched From Aircraft Carrier For The First Time
The X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System (UCAS) demonstrator was launched from the deck of the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77). This marks the first time that an aircraft carrier successfully catapult-launched the X-47B from its flight deck.
In a previous test in December 2012, a X-47B aircraft was first hoisted aboard the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) and subsequently demonstrated that the aircraft could be maneuvered safely and accurately on the flight deck, in the elevators and the hangar bay.
A future test is planned to demonstrate autonomous aerial refueling, including the Air Force’s preferred boom/receptacle approach and the Navy’s probe and drogue method. There are currently two X-47B demonstrator aircraft available for flight testing.
Developed by Northrop Grumman, the X-47B is a tailless, autonomous, low-observable aircraft. The X-47B specifications are:
The X-47B is unmanned and and fully capable of taking off, flying a preprogrammed mission and returning to base. It can be computer-controlled with a mouse click by a mission operator.
The mission operator monitors the X-47B air operation, but does not have to actively fly the aircraft via remote control as is currently the case for other unmanned systems now in operation.
http://www.northropgrumman.com/MediaResources/Pages/NewsArticle.aspx?art=http://www.irconnect.com/noc/press/xml/nitf.html?d=10032846
.jpg)
In a previous test in December 2012, a X-47B aircraft was first hoisted aboard the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) and subsequently demonstrated that the aircraft could be maneuvered safely and accurately on the flight deck, in the elevators and the hangar bay.
A future test is planned to demonstrate autonomous aerial refueling, including the Air Force’s preferred boom/receptacle approach and the Navy’s probe and drogue method. There are currently two X-47B demonstrator aircraft available for flight testing.
Developed by Northrop Grumman, the X-47B is a tailless, autonomous, low-observable aircraft. The X-47B specifications are:
- Length: 38.2 ft (11.63 m)
- Wingspan: 62.1 ft (18.92 m) extended and 30.9 ft folded (9.41 m)
- Height: 10.4 ft (3.10 m)
- Empty weight: 14000 lb (6350 kg)
- Maximum takeoff weight: 44567 lb (20215 kg)
- Maximum payload: 4500 lbs (2000 kg)
- Cruise speed: Mach 0.9
- Range: over 2100 Nautical Miles (3889 km)
- Service ceiling: 40000 ft (12190 m)
The X-47B is unmanned and and fully capable of taking off, flying a preprogrammed mission and returning to base. It can be computer-controlled with a mouse click by a mission operator.
The mission operator monitors the X-47B air operation, but does not have to actively fly the aircraft via remote control as is currently the case for other unmanned systems now in operation.
http://www.northropgrumman.com/MediaResources/Pages/NewsArticle.aspx?art=http://www.irconnect.com/noc/press/xml/nitf.html?d=10032846
.jpg)
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
China Testing Stealthy Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle
China is now testing its own demonstrator of a stealthy Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) that is somewhat similar to those that have appeared in several other countries, including:
These models have now been succeeded by an actual flying design. This makes it similar to the fifth-generation J-31, which also appeared in model form before making its first flight last year.
Thought to be a possible successor to fifth-generation fighter designs, these UCAV's all share more or less similar features, including:
As fighter aircraft have become more sophisticated, the pilot has increasingly become the limiting factor in fighter performance. Removing the pilot offers substantial advantages, but create their own technical challenges.
Using a tailless design is also another substantial challenge that's being pursued. Accomplishing these two goals would in theory revolutionize fighter performance, assuming that current problems can be resolved.
None of these UCAV's are anywhere close to becoming operational, but a lot of resources is being allocated into research and development. It will be interesting to see what their role will be in the future.
- Northop Grumman X-47 Pegasus from the United States
- Boeing X-45 and Phantom Ray from the United States
- BAE Taranis from the United Kingdom
- Dassault nEUROn in cooperation with various European countries
These models have now been succeeded by an actual flying design. This makes it similar to the fifth-generation J-31, which also appeared in model form before making its first flight last year.
Thought to be a possible successor to fifth-generation fighter designs, these UCAV's all share more or less similar features, including:
- Very low observable or stealthy delta-wing design
- Blended all-wing design
- No vertical stabilizer or tailless design
- Unmanned with no pilot for semi-autonomous or potentially fully-autonomous operations
As fighter aircraft have become more sophisticated, the pilot has increasingly become the limiting factor in fighter performance. Removing the pilot offers substantial advantages, but create their own technical challenges.
Using a tailless design is also another substantial challenge that's being pursued. Accomplishing these two goals would in theory revolutionize fighter performance, assuming that current problems can be resolved.
None of these UCAV's are anywhere close to becoming operational, but a lot of resources is being allocated into research and development. It will be interesting to see what their role will be in the future.
Credit original poster, via Chinese Internet
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Wing Loong UAV / Pterodactyl UAV for MALE by AVIC
Shown at the 2012 Zhuhai Airshow, the Wing Loong or Pterodactyl Multipurpose Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) was developed by the Chengdu Aircraft Design and Research Institute, part of Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), for Medium Altitude & Long Endurance (MALE).
The design includes a single turbo-prop propeller engine, dual vertical tails, mid-mounted wings with high aspect ratio and retractable tricycle landing gear. Aluminum is used in its design to facilitate easy repair.
It can be used for reconnaissance, surveillance and surface attack. Payload is modular depending on mission. It can be outfitted in strike mode with the TY-90 air-to-air missile and various precision guided munitions such as HJ-10, LS-6 and YZ-200.
Other UAVs shown were the WJ-600 and the CH-4.
Specifications:
Length: 9 m
Width: 14 m
Height: 2.7 m
Weight: 1100 kg
Payload: 200 kg
Speed: 280 km/hr
Ceiling: 5000 m
Endurance: 20 hrs
The design includes a single turbo-prop propeller engine, dual vertical tails, mid-mounted wings with high aspect ratio and retractable tricycle landing gear. Aluminum is used in its design to facilitate easy repair.
It can be used for reconnaissance, surveillance and surface attack. Payload is modular depending on mission. It can be outfitted in strike mode with the TY-90 air-to-air missile and various precision guided munitions such as HJ-10, LS-6 and YZ-200.
Other UAVs shown were the WJ-600 and the CH-4.
Specifications:
Length: 9 m
Width: 14 m
Height: 2.7 m
Weight: 1100 kg
Payload: 200 kg
Speed: 280 km/hr
Ceiling: 5000 m
Endurance: 20 hrs
Sunday, November 11, 2012
WJ-600 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Developed by China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC), the WJ-600 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) can be used for area reconnaissance, precision strike and damage assessment.
Unlike the propeller driven Wing Loong UAV and CH-4, the jet driven WJ-600 offers high speed more suitable for combat missions. The high speed does come at the cost of reduced endurance. The WJ-600 is therefore not suited for surveillance and other missions which require extended endurance.
Payload can include electro-optical reconnaissance, Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR).
Specifications:
Designation: WJ-600
Type: Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle
Endurance: 3 to 5 hours
Speed: 900 km/hr
Payload: 130 kg
Unlike the propeller driven Wing Loong UAV and CH-4, the jet driven WJ-600 offers high speed more suitable for combat missions. The high speed does come at the cost of reduced endurance. The WJ-600 is therefore not suited for surveillance and other missions which require extended endurance.
Payload can include electro-optical reconnaissance, Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR).
Specifications:
Designation: WJ-600
Type: Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle
Endurance: 3 to 5 hours
Speed: 900 km/hr
Payload: 130 kg
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)