China's new CH-5 — or "Rainbow 5" — larged-sized unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) can carry at least eight AR-1 missiles and even the under-development FT-7 small diameter bomb, reports the Beijing-based Sina Military Network.
The CH-5, developed by the China Academy of Aerospace Aerodynamics of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), is a long-range, low-mid altitude drone capable of both reconnaissance and strike missions.
Made predominantly with composite materials, the CH-5, which reportedly completed its maiden flight last month, has a wingspan of 20 meters, an endurance of more than 30 hours, a maximum take-off weight reaching three tons and a payload of around 900 kilograms. The UAV is an all-round upgrade over its predecessor, the CH-4, which has a wingspan of 18m, a take-off weight of 1.3 tons and a payload of 350kg.
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