Chinese VTOL drone VD200

[xhw1986]

The VD200, China's first drone designed with vertical take-off and landing capability, has been demonstrated for the first time at an international trade fair in Chengdu, reports Jane's Defense Weekly.

The UK-based magazine said the VD200 can take off and land on extensions of its four vertical stabilizers instead of wheels and can fly for six to eight hours. The drone, built by Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group, may be deployed by the coast guard from maritime patrol vessels.

The VD200 shares similar capabilities to a small tactical helicopter drone, but with few of the rotary-wing aircraft's inherent vulnerabilities, the report said.

Jane's also said China's Harrier II combat drone, with similar capability to the US MQ-9, was shown to the public at a trade fair in the southern province of Guizhou.

Designed jointly by Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group and Guizhou Aircraft Corporation, the Harrier II has four wing pylons to carry missiles and bombs. The US-based website Washington Free Beacon claimed Chinese missile-firing drones such as the Harrier II and Wing Loong were likely to be have been developed through the use of cyber espionage to steal technology from US defense contractors.

Chinese VTOL drone VD200 shown to the public in Chengdu｜Politics｜News｜WantChinaTimes.com