The Chengdu Wing Loong-3 is a Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial combat vehicle (UCAV), developed by the Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group in the People's Republic of China. Intended for use as a multi-purpose platform, including anti-air, anti-submarine warfare (ASW), ground strike, maritime strike, search and rescue, and surveillance and aerial reconnaissance capabilities which can fly a maximum range of 10,000 km at medium altitude with a maximum take-off weight of 6,200 kg. Wing Loong-3 is by far the largest and first air-to-air capable model of the Wing Loong family[1][2][3]
| Wing Loong-3 | |
|---|---|
| |
| Wing Loong 3 at Airshow China Zhuhai 2022 | |
| Role | MALE UCAV |
| Manufacturer | Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group |
| Designer | Chengdu Aircraft Design Institute |
| Introduction | 2022 |
| Status | In service |
| Developed from | Chengdu GJ-2 |
Design and development
editThe prototype of the Wing Loong-3 was unveiled for the first time to the public during the Airshow China exhibition, held in Zhuhai from 8–11 November 2022.[4]
The design of the Wing Loong 3 is similar to the Wing Loong 2 consisting of a monoplane slender fuselage and empennage with a prominent V-tail and ventral fin. The landing gear consists of two main wheels under the fuselage and one single wheel under the nose. The electro-optical payload pod, fitted under the forward section of the fuselage, is integrated with daylight and infrared cameras and sensors to collect surveillance and targeting data in both day and low-light / night conditions.[5]
Specifications
editGeneral characteristics
- Crew: None (UAV)
- Length: 12.2 m
- Wingspan: 24 m
- Maximum take-off weight: 6,200 kg
Performance
- Range: ≥10,000 km
- Payload: 2,000 kg (external hardpoints) + 300 kg (internal bay)
- Endurance: ≥40 hours
Armament
See also
editRelated lists
References
edit- ^ "Chinese defense aviation industry unveils its new Wing Loong 3 UAV at AirShow China 2022 | Defense News November 2022 Global Security army industry | Defense Security global news industry army year 2022 | Archive News year". www.armyrecognition.com. Retrieved 2022-11-11.
- ^ Trevithick, Joseph (2022-11-08). "All The Air Combat Developments Out Of China's Massive Air Show (Updated)". The Drive. Retrieved 2022-11-11.
- ^ Satam, Parth (2022-11-10). "China Claims 10,000 Km Range For Its Wing Loong-3 UAVs; Performs Anti-Sub, Air, Land & Rescue Ops In A Promo Sortie -- Watch". Latest Asian, Middle-East, EurAsian, Indian News. Retrieved 2022-11-11.
- ^ "China Introduces Large Wing Loong III UCAS | Aviation Week Network". aviationweek.com. Retrieved 2022-11-11.
- ^ a b "Chinese defense aviation industry unveils its new Wing Loong 3 UAV at AirShow China 2022 | Defense News November 2022 Global Security army industry | Defense Security global news industry army year 2022 | Archive News year". www.armyrecognition.com. Retrieved 2022-11-11.
- ^ 红星新闻 (2022-11-08). "国产大型无人机翼龙-3首次公开亮相". finance.sina.com.cn. Retrieved 2022-11-11.