Key Points
- China’s “Meyu Arrow” high-altitude unmanned helicopter accomplished its first live-fire missile check at greater than 4,000 meters.
- Tengden Technology says the subsequent check will try satellite-based beyond-line-of-sight management at above 6,000 meters.
China has developed a brand new “Meyu Arrow” high-altitude unmanned helicopter and confirmed that the plane not too long ago accomplished its first live-fire missile trial at an altitude of above 4,000 meters.
According to China Central Television (CCTV), the “Meyu Arrow” high-altitude unmanned helicopter, developed by Sichuan-based Tengden Technology, is now getting into a brand new part of flight-test growth after finishing its debut missile launch.
The plane has been upgraded for operations in excessive terrain and thin-air environments. CCTV reported: “The home ‘Meyu Arrow’ plateau-type unmanned helicopter has accomplished its first live-fire check, and the subsequent step will probably be to try beyond-line-of-sight management at greater than 6,000 meters.”
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A flight operator interviewed by state media added that the sooner trial happened at excessive elevation. “The final check was carried out in an space above 4,000 meters, carrying two missiles for each shifting and glued targets,” the operator mentioned. “The subsequent step will probably be a check at greater than 6,000 meters utilizing satellite tv for pc communications for beyond-line-of-sight management.”
Tengden’s technical knowledge reveals the unmanned helicopter measures 7.87 meters in complete size and has a rotor diameter of 6.4 meters. The firm says the platform has a most endurance of eight hours, a variety of 900 kilometers, and an working ceiling of seven,000 meters.
Tengden beforehand disclosed that in late 2021 the plane achieved a velocity of 135 km/h at 6,500 meters, increasing its velocity envelope by 36 km/h. During descent, it reached a real airspeed of 178 km/h at 4,500 meters whereas retaining reserve energy. The firm said these flight parameters demonstrated the drone’s capability to keep up management authority in robust winds and skinny air.
The helicopter is designed for reconnaissance-strike missions, armed escort, and precision focusing on in mountainous areas the place fixed-wing drones might face operational limits. Its vertical takeoff functionality permits it to function from slender valley touchdown zones, short-term pads, or elevated positions inaccessible to crewed plane.
The “Meyu Arrow” helicopter fills a distinct segment inside China’s unmanned stock by combining rotary-wing maneuverability with armed precision strike functionality in excessive terrain. Operating from 6,000 meters utilizing satellite tv for pc communications would mark an growth into beyond-line-of-sight employment profiles usually reserved for bigger fixed-wing drones.
High-altitude strike platforms are useful for border areas, plateau zones, and contested mountain corridors alongside India.
