force-multiplier

A Low-Visibility Force Multiplier
Xi’an’s ASN-229A Reconnaissance and Precise Attack UAV, which may have entered
into service in 2011, is powered by a single-piston engine and possesses a satellite
communications (SATCOM) datalink. Tactical and reconnaissance payloads include
a combined EO/IR/laser rangefinder/designator. Armed with a mini precision-guided
weapon, the ASN-229A has a maximum speed of 180 km/h, an operating altitude of 8
km, a service ceiling of 10 km, an operational radius of nearly 2,000 km, and 20-hour
maximum endurance. 81
Reconnaissance and Target Testing UAVs
China’s reconnaissance UAVs include the WZ-9 (WZ-2000) MALE UAV; Changhong
1/WZ-5 and /WZ-5A variants; the Xianglong/Soar Dragon high altitude, long
endurance (HALE) UAV; and the ASN-series tactical reconnaissance UAVs. China is also
developing vertical take-off/landing UAVs (VTUAV) including the X200, reportedly sold
to a military customer, and the X200S, a maritime variant that may be fielded in 2013. 82
GAIC’s new generation WZ-9 (WZ-2000) MALE UAV was unveiled at the 2000
Zhuhai Airshow; an updated version was revealed in 2002. Powered by twin turbojets
and visually similar to General Atomics’ Predator, this UAV may be a technology demonstrator;
flight testing has apparently been conducted. 83
The Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics (BUAA) Changhong 1/
WZ-5/A is a HALE conventional UAV with a range of 2,400 km. Its airframe is based
largely on the U.S. Northrop Grumman BQM-34A Firebee aerial target, and its overall
design follows the Teledyne Ryan Model 147H (AQM-34N) shot down over China
pre-1972. Development began in 1969, and it entered service for training and tactical
reconnaissance in 1981. Powered by the 8.35 kN BUAA WP11 turbojet, the 1,700 kg (65
kg payload) UAV was updated in the late-1990s with a digital flight control/management
system and an inertial navigation system with embedded GPS. Air-launched using the
Y-8E aircraft, Changhong 1 is programmed to follow a preprogrammed flight plan and is
recovered in midair during parachute descent. Its maximum speed is 800 km/h, operating
altitude is 17.5 km, range is 2,500 km, and endurance is 3 hours. Production has ended,
but it remains in service in the PLA and in PRC civil agencies. China offered it for export
beginning in 2000, but no sales have been reported. 84
BUAA’s BZK-005 heavy UAV apparently began development in 2005 and was first
seen in a video at the 2006 Zhuhai Airshow; its present status is uncertain. Propeller-driven
with a piston engine, the 1,250 kg UAV’s 150 kg payload includes electro-optical/infrared
capabilities with real-time data transmission and, apparently, a SATCOM antenna. Its
estimated maximum speed is 219 km/h with 40-hour maximum endurance and an 8,000
m service ceiling. 85
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