China's CH-5 UAV production model completes maiden flight

a
World Aviation Defense & Security News - China
 
 
China's CH-5 UAV production model completes maiden flight
 
The mass-production model of China's unmanned aerial vehicle CH-5, or "Rainbow 5", completed its first test flight in north China's Hebei Province Friday. Introduced at Air Show China 2016 in the southern Chinese city of Zhuhai last year, the CH-5 can conduct reconnaissance, surveillance, patrol, target positioning and strike missions, according to its developer.
     
China's CH-5 UAV production model
(Xinhua/Bai Guolong)
     
"We've made several modifications after its debut, and its comprehensive functions are among the world's best," said Shi Wen, chief engineer of the Rainbow drone project at the China Academy of Aerospace Aerodynamics.

The CH-5 has a wingspan of 21 meters and is capable of carrying up to 1,000 kg of equipment. It can stay in the air for 60 hours with a range of more than 10,000 kilometers, Shi said.

The CH-5 can also be used for civilian purposes such as resource surveying, marine environmental protection, disaster survey, marine law enforcement and emergency responses, Shi said.

"We will conduct more trial flights and might add fine changes to meet needs of various customers. We believe it will be a success in domestic and international markets," he added.
     
China's CH-5 UAV production model
(Xinhua/Bai Guolong)
 

Â