China reveals 'Sharp Sword' stealth drone that can carry two TONNES of bombs
- Drone has two internal bomb bays that could carry payload of about 4,400lbs
- Uses non-afterburning turbofan engine with serpentine inlet to mask from radar
- Sharp Sword could enter service as soon as 2019-2020 for numerous purposes
China has revealed a stealth drone dubbed ‘Sharp Sword’ that that could be capable of dropping more than 4,000 pounds of bombs.
The unmanned aerial vehicle won second place in China’s National Science and Technology Advancement Prizes, and is the first non-NATO craft of its kind, according to Popular Science.
It’s said the Sharp Sword could enter service as soon as 2019-2020 for use in reconnaissance missions and for tracking foreign warships, and eventually, it could be used for combat.
Scroll down for video
China has revealed a stealth drone dubbed ‘Sharp Sword’ that that could be capable of dropping more than 4,000 pounds of bombs. The unmanned aerial vehicle won second place in China’s National Science and Technology Advancement Prizes
The stealthy unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) is being touted a huge win for Chinese aviation technology, Popular Science reports.
It was built by Aviation Industry Corporation of China, and is equipped with two internal bomb bays.
This could carry a payload of roughly 4,400 pounds.
The 33-foot-long Sharp Sword craft has a wingspan of roughly 46 feet, and uses a non-afterburning WS-13 turbofan engine with serpentine inlet to mask it from enemy radar.
Sharp Sword first flew in November 2013, and has a similar appearance to a small B-2 flying wing bomber and the American X-47B.
And, a second, stealthier version may have begun flight tests last year, according to Popular Science.
These craft are able to pack the same amount of payload inside as a manned vehicle, but within a smaller space.
It was built by Aviation Industry Corporation of China, and is equipped with two internal bomb bays. This could carry a payload of roughly 4,400 pounds
They also have a longer range.
The craft could one day be used to for ‘first through the door’ combat missions against high-value targets, or act as an aerial tanker for other craft, according to Popular Science.
Just a few months ago, China unveiled its most powerful drone bomber, which can fly for two days without refuelling within a range of 15,000 miles.
The CH-5 unmanned aerial vehicle, China's largest combat drone, made its first flight last year and appears to be based on the US MQ-9 reaper.
But it was been made public for the first time at a military air show in the southern city of Zhuhai.
The CH-5 unmanned aerial vehicle, China's largest combat drone, made its first flight last year and appears to be based on the US MQ-9 reaper
The CH-5 unmanned aerial vehicle is reportedly capable of carrying smart bombs, missiles and high-tech radar jammers
It is capable of carrying smart bombs, missiles and high-tech radar jammers, The Daily Star reports.
AsiaOne reportedly described the weapon as 'One of the most powerful unmanned combat aircraft in the world.'
Chief designer Shi Wen added: 'Several foreign nations have expressed intentions to purchase the CH-5 and we are in talks with them.'
The weapon was revealed during a major airshow in China which included the unveiling of the country's J-20 stealth fighter.
It was the latest sign of the growing sophistication of the China's military technology.
At least six prototypes have been produced, according to an annual report on the Chinese military issued by the Pentagon this year.
Most watched News videos
- Trump cheered as he leaves Washington DC hotel
- Van driver gets blocked in by another driver, and he has no idea why
- Spanish bagpipe band plays AC/DC's 'Thunderstruck' track
- Documentary shows what it's like living with the Huaorani
- 'Cheating' boyfriend's cruel prank hilariously backfire on him
- She speaks! Melania Trump takes the mic at pre-inaugural luncheon
- Car does doughnuts in CBD before ploughing into pedestrians
- Michelle Obama takes one last walk through the White House
- Sickening video shows moment boy shoots his classmates
- Donald Trump greeted by cheers and handshakes at his hotel
- Surveillance video shows man fatally shot 13 times in Florida
- Disabled woman struggles to get on a bus because of a buggy user
- Life among the monkey hunters: The Amazon tribe that has...
- Donald rocks DC (get used to it, it's the new normal):...
- Former child sex slave sold into Belgian aristocratic...
- EXCLUSIVE: Wynn Las Vegas removes all Tom Ford beauty...
- 'An avalanche has hit. The hotel isn't there any more':...
- 'Why would you abandon America?' Newt Gingrich says...
- Donald and his golden girl: Trump is joined by stunning...
- Seconds from horror, a tormented whale and the trainer he...
- Rock in Peace, Dad: All three of Rick Parfitt's wives and...
- EXCLUSIVE: A hero's welcome! The moment Trump makes a...
- 'Nope' - The last word of cold-blooded killer who...
- What billionaires' dreams are made of: The most expensive...