China reveals 'Sharp Sword' stealth drone that can carry two TONNES of bombs
- Drone has two internal bomb bays that could carry payload of about 4,400lbs
- Uses non-afterburning turbofan engine with serpentine inlet to mask from radar
- Sharp Sword could enter service as soon as 2019-2020 for numerous purposes
By
Cheyenne Macdonald For Dailymail.com
PUBLISHED: 18:56 EST, 18 January 2017 | UPDATED: 19:27 EST, 18 January 2017
China has revealed a stealth drone dubbed ‘Sharp Sword’ that that could be capable of dropping more than 4,000 pounds of bombs. The unmanned aerial vehicle won second place in China’s National Science and Technology Advancement Prizes
The stealthy unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) is being touted a huge win for Chinese aviation technology, Popular Science reports.
It was built by Aviation Industry Corporation of China, and is equipped with two internal bomb bays.
This could carry a payload of roughly 4,400 pounds.
The 33-foot-long Sharp Sword craft has a wingspan of roughly 46 feet, and uses a non-afterburning WS-13 turbofan engine with serpentine inlet to mask it from enemy radar.
Sharp Sword first flew in November 2013, and has a similar appearance to a small B-2 flying wing bomber and the American X-47B.
And, a second, stealthier version may have begun flight tests last year, according to Popular Science.
These craft are able to pack the same amount of payload inside as a manned vehicle, but within a smaller space.
It was built by Aviation Industry Corporation of China, and is equipped with two internal bomb bays. This could carry a payload of roughly 4,400 pounds
They also have a longer range.
The craft could one day be used to for ‘first through the door’ combat missions against high-value targets, or act as an aerial tanker for other craft, according to Popular Science.
Just a few months ago, China unveiled its most powerful drone bomber, which can fly for two days without refuelling within a range of 15,000 miles.
The CH-5 unmanned aerial vehicle, China's largest combat drone, made its first flight last year and appears to be based on the US MQ-9 reaper.
But it was been made public for the first time at a military air show in the southern city of Zhuhai.
It is capable of carrying smart bombs, missiles and high-tech radar jammers, The
Daily Star reports.
AsiaOne reportedly described the weapon as 'One of the most powerful unmanned combat aircraft in the world.'
Chief designer Shi Wen added: 'Several foreign nations have expressed intentions to purchase the CH-5 and we are in talks with them.'
The weapon was revealed during a major airshow in China which included the unveiling of the country's J-20 stealth fighter.
It was the latest sign of the growing sophistication of the China's military technology.
At least six prototypes have been produced, according to an annual report on the Chinese military issued by the Pentagon this year.
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