[aviationweek.com] One
of the many entertainments at this week’s Air Show China will be trying
to sort out projects from pipe dreams in the unmanned aerial vehicles
arena.
The
halls of the show are littered with unmanned aerial vehicles of all
shapes and sizes, including a bright yellow flying saucer. Others, such
as the Warrior Eagle pictured in the artist’s illustration above, and
in model form below, also have more than a hint of sci-fi alien
invasion paranoia.
That
China is working on a swath of UAV projects from tactical to strategic
applications looks clear – how many of these are visible in terms of
what is on display at the 7th Air Show China, which opens formally
November 4, is less so. The Chinese model makers’ guild, however, is
likely bulking up its pension fund very nicely.
On
the AVIC 1 stand as well as the Warrior Eagle – intended for the strike
and air defense suppression roles – there is also the Long Haul Eagle –
to provide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) support.
Tucked
in at the back is the Tian Yi-3, described as a “conceptual UAV” for
ISR applications. The model was also displayed at the 2006 show. The
concept – perhaps curiously – shows a strong resemblance to a UAV
dubbed Soar Dragon (Xianlong). AVIC 1 includes Chengdu, the company
which is reported to be developing this air vehicle.
Footage
of Soar Dragon, which is similar in configuration and role to the U.S
Global Hawk, was recently posted on the internet appearing to show the
UAV undergoing taxi trials – conceptual ones, of course.
Source: http://www.aviationweek.com
