Chengdu modifies Tian Yi UAV with smaller, twin engines

[Saifullah Sani]

The new variant has two engines and a redesigned nose, among other modifications. Source: FYJS web page

The Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC) revealed a modified version of its Tian Yi (Sky Wing) high-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in late December that may be designed to have a much reduced infrared signature.

A modified version of the Chengdu Aircraft Corporation Tian Yi emerged in late December. (FYJS web page)

First seen in model form at Airshow China 2006 at Zhuhai, the Tian Yi emerged in mid-2008 at the CAC airfield as a medium-sized single turbofan-powered UAV with V-shaped vertical stabilisers.

It resembles the Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk, but is closer in size to the General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper. A small number may be in service with China's People's Liberation Army (PLA).

The new modified version is about the same size as the original Tian Yi, but has a redesigned fuselage. The most prominent difference is a wider empennage that incorporates two smaller turbofan engines plus a wider air intake. These modifications are most likely intended to suppress the UAV's infrared signature, which would stand out against in high cruise altitudes.

In addition, the forward fuselage features more 'stealthy' shaping and a redesigned nose area that may feature a new satellite linkage command/control system.

While the PLA could employ this latest version of the TianYi, it is also possible that it may serve as technology demonstrator for Chengdu's larger Long Haul Eagle. This UAV was revealed in model form at Airshow China 2008 as a larger aircraft similar in shape and size to the Global Hawk.

However, while a full size version of the Long Haul Eagle has yet to emerge, CAC subsidiary Guizhou Aircraft Corporation has produced larger and smaller scale versions of its box-wing Soar Dragon UAV. At the 2006 Zhuhai show this design was revealed to have a weight of 7,500 kg and a wingspan of 25 m, and began to appear at the CAC airfield in early 2012. The smaller version, similar in size to the Tian Yi, emerged in early November 2013.

The emergence of both smaller scale UAVs may indicate they are the PLA's current development priority for CAC.

Chengdu modifies Tian Yi UAV with smaller, twin engines - IHS Jane's 360