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China's UAV Program-Statements and Developments
For a profile of China's known UAVs, see China's Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
2003
09/01/2003: The Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics-developed Chang Hong (CH) UAV was discussed in detail in a report published by Guoji Hangkong (Beijing). Although not the first time this model had been talked about, this report noted the most recent developments and improvements on the CH series UAV. The CH series are high altitude, high subsonic speed, and multi-role unmanned systems. The system can be flown automatically or via remote control. It is designed to be launched from an aircraft and equipped for either ground or water landings. It mission payload is interchangeable, with a primary mission of high altitude daytime photo reconnaissance, but also the capability to be used for atmospheric sampling, topographic surveying, as well as for target drone use. ["Changhong, China's high-altitude, high-speed UAV," Guoji Hangkong (Beijing), 01 September 2003 in FBIS CPP20031002000106, pg. 50-51.]
07/01/2003: China Aerospace and Science Technology Center (CASC)'s Research Institute of Aerodynamics (BIA) has been conducting research on mini-UAVs since 1999. The three mini-UAV models being developed by BIA have begun full development and testing stages and entered small batch production. The three models differ primarily in wingspan, with lengths of 22cm, 30cm and 60cm. The differing wingspans determine the model's effective portability, flight time, flight distance and payload. Included within the airframe are piloting equipment, a television monitor, communication systems and antennas. The UAVs are powered by micro-piston engines, with sound absorbent materials to cut down on engine noise. Possible payloads for the mini-UAVs include micro-video cameras and electronic jamming equipment. The navigation and piloting systems include gyroscopes, mini-GPS receivers and steering gears, allowing preprogrammed flights and user inputs mid-flight. Once deployed, these mini-UAV systems will be man-portable, providing distance reconnaissance, jamming and strike capabilities. ["China's mini-UAVs -- Soldiers' Flying Eyes," Junshi Shijie Huakan (Beijing), 01 July 2003 in FBIS CPP20030806000160, pg. 26-27.]
2002
12/04/2002: At the Airshow China 2002 exhibition, Nanjing Research Institute for Simulation Techniques (NRIST) and Beijing Wisewell Avionics Science and Technology displayed several new UAV models. NRIST unveiled its W-50 surveillance UAV, which has a 4-6h endurance, operational radius of 100km and a maximum altitude of 9,840ft. Beijing Wisewell displayed an updated version of its AW-4 Shark UAV and also photographs of a new portable reconnaissance UAV known as the AW-12A. [Robert Karniol, "China adds to drone stable," Jane's Defense Weekly, vol. 38, no. 23, 04 December 2002.]
11/08/2002: The Zhangzhongbao ("Treasure in the Palm") mini-UAV developed by the Beijing Aerodynamic Research Lab of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation was unveiled at the Zhuhai Airshow 2002 exhibition. Despite its small size, it is capable of taking pictures, real-time image relay and electronic jamming. ["CASC Miniature Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Makes Debut at Zhuhai Air Show," Zhongguo Hangtian Bao (Beijing), 08 November 2002 in FBIS CPP20021122000141, pg. 3.]
1999
10/04/1999: The Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics demonstrated a micro unmanned aerial vehicle. The miniature UAV was complete with a video camera and a real-time image transmitter. [Paul Proctor, "China's Micro UAVs," Aviation Week and Space Technology, vol. 151, no. 14, 4 October 1999, p. 15.]
1998
12/23/1998: China National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corporation (CATIC) submitted a bid to provide the Xian ASN Technology Group ASN UAV series to Turkey. Production will be licenced under Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI). The primary sub-contrator is slated to be the Military Electronics Industry (Aselsan).[Lale Sariibrahimoglu and Damian Kemp, "Three Companies Propose Bids for Turkish UAV Requirement," Jane's Defense Weekly, vol. 30, no. 25, 23 December 1998.]
11/05/1998: The U.S. Department of Defense stated in a report sent to the House National Committee, that China is expanding its unmanned aerial vehicles program. The report cites evidence that China is developing a rotary-wing UAV that is to be used in reconnaissance missions. Other developments cited in the report refer to the possibility that China has concluded an agreement with an unnamed foreign supplier to acquire a high altitude, long endurance unmanned aerial vehicle. The DoD report is quoted in reference to the foreign UAV assistance: "This UAV would provide China with the capability to conduct extended imagery reconnaissance and surveillance, electronics signals collection, and electronic warfare missions." [China Seen Expanding development of UAVs for Reconnaissance," Aerospace Daily, vol. 188, no. 26, 5 November 1998, p.207.]
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