CASC CH-901
CASC CH-901 | |
---|---|
![]() FH-901 loitering munition | |
Type | loitering munition |
Place of origin | China |
Production history | |
Manufacturer | China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation |
Produced | 2016 - present |
Variants | CASC CH-901A, Feihong FH-901 |
The CASC CH-901 is a loitering munition developed by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) in 2016. The drone can be deployed in several ways; it can be carried by soldiers in the field and launched out of a tube, as well as from vehicles, aircraft, and UCAVs.[1] In 2020 China unveiled a truck fitted with 48 launch tubes for CH-901 loitering munitions.[2] The CH-901 can also be launched from the new FH-97 unveiled at Airshow China in 2021.[3]
External videos | |
---|---|
![]() |
Operation
The CH-901 can be readied and launched from its tube in 3 minutes.[4] The drone then dashes to its target area at 180 km/h (110 mph), where it flies around for up to 60 minutes, at 100 km/h (62 mph) and at an attitude of 100 m (330 ft) to 150m (490 ft). Once a target is located using the drones electro-optical guidance, it dives onto its target at 288 km/h (179 mph) and detonates its warhead. The CH-901 can carry a 3.5 kg (7.5 lbs) high explosive warhead, a fragmentation charge, a shaped charge for penetrating armor, or a camera for reconnaissance. The drones can also be launched in waves to swarm and overwhelm enemies. [5]
Specifications
Data from (2020-10-15). "China unveils its terrifying 'suicide drones'". Daily Mail. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8843745/China-unveils-terrifying-weaponised-drone-troop-launched-truck.html
General characteristics
- Length: 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in)
- Gross weight: 9 kg (19.8 lb)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 288 km/h (179 mph, 156 kn) when diving
- Cruise speed: 180 km/h (110 mph, 97 kn) cruising to target
- Range: 15 km (9.3 mi, 8.1 nmi)
- Endurance: 60 minutes
- Service ceiling: 150 m (490 ft)
References
- ^ "China's Mini-Drone Packs a Heavyweight Punch". Popular Mechanics. 2016-05-05. Retrieved 2023-02-08.
- ^ "China unveils its terrifying 'suicide drones'". Mail Online. 2020-10-15. Retrieved 2023-02-08.
- ^ "FH-97 loyal wingman concept unveiled at Airshow China 2021". www.airrecognition.com. Retrieved 2023-02-08.
- ^ "China defense industry presents CH-901 suicide drone at SOFEX 2018 | SOFEX 2018 Official Online Show Daily News | Defence security military exhibition 2018 daily news category". armyrecognition.com. Retrieved 2023-02-08.
- ^ Eshel, Tamir (2022-08-29). "A New Chinese Loitering Weapon Appears in Thailand". Defense Update:. Retrieved 2023-02-08.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link)