China flies new naval UAV variant for the first time
An image of the AR-500CJ VTOL naval UAV during its maiden flight earlier this month. (Photo: AVIC)
China is working on new UAVs for naval use, plus a heavy fuel version of the CH-4 has taken to the air for the first time.
The AR-500CJ, a UAV likely destined for operations aboard People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels, has achieved its maiden flight, AVIC of China announced on its official social media account on 10 August.
The flight – incorporating a take-off, hovering and landing – occurred at Poyang in Jiangxi Province. The aircraft is now ready to commence further flight testing, with a technical evaluation slated for next year.
As a rotary-winged design, it would be able to take off and land from PLAN surface combatants and aircraft carriers if the military eventually adopts it.
In terms of performance specifications, the AR-500CJ
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Canada commits to first 16 F-35s with US]()
Canada commits to first 16 F-35s with US
Canadian officials have stated that the order for the country’s first 16 jets is progressing, with the remaining 72 F-35 aircraft from Lockheed Martin still under review.
-
![Sweden confirms order for four C-390 Millennium aircraft]()
Sweden confirms order for four C-390 Millennium aircraft
The firm order also included options for seven more aircraft as part of the joint European procurement for the multi-role aircraft, allowing for potential future European acquisitions.
-
![Royal Navy launches Project Vanquish to test carrier-launched drone]()
Royal Navy launches Project Vanquish to test carrier-launched drone
The requirement notice outlines the need for a fixed-wing, short take-off and landing autonomous collaborative platform, as part of the UK Royal Navy’s route towards fielding a hybrid air wing.
