JAKARTA - China's Jetank unmanned aerial vehicle, dubbed the "air UAV carrier," completed its maiden flight in Shaanxi Province, Northwest China on Thursday, with experts highlighting the aircraft's large size and its potential to carry a large number of smaller unmanned aerial vehicles.
This successful flight marks a new breakthrough in China's large unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology, reported the People's Daily, citing the China Aviation Industry Corporation (AVIC).
Its wide spread is expected to accelerate industrial chain integration and innovation, provide new momentum for the development of high-quality low-lying economy, and promote innovation and improvement in the aviation industry, according to the People's Daily, quoted from Global Times (11/12).
As a large versatile UAV platform developed domestically, Jetank adopts the design concept of "universal platform with modular mission payload".
Built on the basis of independently developed integrated technological innovations, this drone has a large payload capacity, a high maximum flight altitude, a wide speed range, and short take-off and landing capabilities, the report said.
The Jetank drone is 16.35 meters long, has a wingspan of 25 meters, a maximum take-off weight of 16 tons, a payload capacity of 6,000 kilograms, a durability of 12 hours, and a cruising range of 7,000 kilometers, placing its performance among the top products of its kind, reported the People's Daily.
With the modular mission payload, the People's Daily continued, the Jetank drone can be widely adapted for various civilian applications, including transporting heavy supplies and providing proper logistical support to mountainous and remote island areas; quickly restoring communications and delivering disaster relief equipment during emergencies; and conducting geographical surveys, disaster assessments, and mineral exploration.
This drone can also help survey cultural heritage, maritime law enforcement, forest fire suppression, and other national economic sectors.
The Jetank heavy unmanned aerial vehicle was first introduced at the 2024 China Airshow in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, South China.
According to a previous report from China Central Television (CCTV) News, Jetank's unmanned aerial vehicle also has military applications. This drone has eight weapon mounting points and can carry a 1,000-kilogram class guided bomb, air-to-air missile, air-to-ground missile, anti-ship missile, and cruise ammunition.
The drone also has an open architecture and is equipped with a mission pod that can be quickly replaced. By replacing the modular mission payload, the aircraft can switch mission types within two hours to meet operational requirements such as parachuting and air transport, information support and countermeasures, as well as attack and support missions.
With its capabilities, Jetank is suitable for military and civilian use including systematic operations, transportation support to emergency rescue.
Another flagship feature of the Jetank UAV is the integration of a sophisticated isomerism nest module inside its fuselage. Capable of accommodating hundreds of cruise munitions or small drones, this mission pod has earned Jetank the nickname "air UAV carrier," according to a CCTV News report.
Chinese military affairs expert who observed Jetank closely at the 2024 China Airshow Fu Qianshao highlighted the size of Jetank.
According to Fu, this large drone has a load capacity comparable to manned fighter aircraft or even bomber aircraft.
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