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
-
![First confirmed US one‑way drone strike on Iran sharpens Pentagon UAV expansion]()
First confirmed US one‑way drone strike on Iran sharpens Pentagon UAV expansion
The US is currently escalating its efforts to acquire more than 300,000 low-cost one-way attack drones, with the confirmed use of these platforms against Iran in recent days emphasising their growing use in combat.
-
![UK MoD awards Leonardo with £1 billion New Medium Helicopter contract]()
UK MoD awards Leonardo with £1 billion New Medium Helicopter contract
The £1 billion contract has secured jobs at Leonardo’s Yeovil site and will provide the British forces with 23 new medium-lift helicopters.
-
![NSPA outlines next steps for NATO’s Next-Generation Rotorcraft Capability effort]()
NSPA outlines next steps for NATO’s Next-Generation Rotorcraft Capability effort
The NATO agency gave further updates on the next stages of its rotorcraft programme and timelines for the next three years, with the initiative aimed at replacing ageing medium-lift helicopters in various NATO countries.
-
![UK’s New Medium Helicopter deal finalisation on horizon, alludes Leonardo CEO]()
UK’s New Medium Helicopter deal finalisation on horizon, alludes Leonardo CEO
A potential announcement within days could end speculation around the UK Ministry of Defence’s procurement direction for the NMH programme.
