CH-3 Chinese Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)

CH-3

Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)

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CH-3 Chinese Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) — CH-3_UAV(C).jpegTRADOC ODIN WEG

Basic Information

Name

CH-3 Chinese Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)

Designation

CH-3

Alternate Designation

CH-3; Chang Hong 3

Equipment Type

Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)

Manufacturer

Chinese Defence Company ALIT (Aerospace Long-March International)

Date of Introduction

2012

Description

CH-3 is a fixed wing unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) of the Rainbow series. The CH-3 adopts an unusual canard layout, similar to the Jetcruzer 450 and the Rutan VariEze. This means that the CH-3 lacks centrally located vertical tail, but has large winglets and canards. Propulsion is provided by a three-blade propeller driven by a pusher engine mounted on empennage. The main landing wheels of the tricycle landing gear has fairing to reduce drag. In January, 2015, a CH-3 drone was reported to have crashed in the north of Nigeria. It is believed the drone was involved in Nigeria's struggle against the Islamic militant group, Boko Haram.China supplied the CH-3 to Nigeria government prior to 2014, along with YC-200 guided bombs and AR-1 air-to-ground missile. In February, 2016, Nigeria announced a successful drone strike in its ongoing war against Boko Haram. China delivered 12 CH-3 to Myanmar in 2014-2015 to fight rebels. NESCOM Burraq is thought to be mostly influenced by CH-3

Air & Air Defense Specifications

Engine Turboprop

Range 2400.0 km

Endurance 12.00 hrs

Wingspan 8.00 m

Variants

CH-3 CH-3 is a fixed wing unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) of the Rainbow series. The CH-3 adopts an unusual canard layout, similar to the Jetcruzer 450 and the Rutan VariEze. This means that the CH-3 lacks centrally located vertical tail, but has large winglets and canards. Propulsion is provided by a three-blade propeller driven by a pusher engine mounted on empennage. The main landing wheels of the tricycle landing gear has fairing to reduce drag.

CH-3A CH-3A is the development of CH-3 and share the identical layout. Improvement of CH-3A over CH-3 includes that the maximum payload is increased to more than 100 kg, and satellite data link is also incorporated. CH3A is a multipurpose UAV which can also carry AR 1 laser guided rocket for attacking role. It is also widely rumored that Myanmar Air Force operates them, and some images have been found.

CH-3D China develops the CH-3D UCAV. China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), a state-owned aerospace and defense company, is known to be involved in the development and production of unmanned aerial vehicles, including the CH series of drones The CH-3D is equipped with SATCOM antennas, allowing for improved communication capabilities, especially in remote operations where traditional line-of-sight communications are untenable. This upgrade ensures that the CH-3D can be operated over vast distances. For the first time in the CH-3 series, the CH-3D is of HALE nature (High Altitude, Long Endurance) and, like the American Global Hawk drones, features retractable landing gear, making it more aerodynamic and extending its flight time as TB2, RQ-9 UAV the CH-3D is able o carry and deliver weaponry with high precision. Another notable improvement in the CH-3D model is the replacement of fiberglass with advanced composite materials. This change not only reduces the overall weight of the UCAV but also increases its durability and stealth capabilities, making it harder for enemy radars to detect.

System

Alternate Designation CH-3; Chang Hong 3

Type Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)

Manufacturer Chinese Defence Company ALIT (Aerospace Long-March International)

Crew Unmanned

Operator 1

Cargo Capacity 60 – 80 kg

Landing Gear The main landing wheels of the tricycle landing gear has fairing to reduce drag

Reconnaissance The aircraft is equipped with cameras, cameras and other devices that can be used as reconnaissance aircraft.

Note The CH-3 carries two special modules, one on each wing tip, and a third one in the fuselage belly. In these modules, the magnetic field detectors and radioactivity detectors are capable of detecting "geomagnetic anomalies" that can be the result of mineral resources hidden beneath the earth surface, according to Liu Kai, chief designer of the CH-3.

Dimensions

Length 7.0 m

Wingspan 8.0 m

Height 1.6 m

Weight INA

Maximum Takeoff Weight INA

Automotive

Engine Name INA

Engine Type Turboprop

Engine Power Propulsion is provided by a three-blade propeller driven by a pusher engine mounted on empennage.

Maximum Distance 2,400 km

Maximum Speed INA

Endurance 12 hours

Armament

Note Two underwing hardpoints for carrying guided-missile ordnance. Mission Payload 60-100 kg.

Image Sources

Notes http://global.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201801/12/WS5a580a92a3102c394518eb09.html; https://errymath.blogspot.com/2014/09/ch-4-uav-undergoing-flight-tests.html; https://defence-blog.com/chinas-armed-ch-3-drone-spotted-in-myanmar/;

Details

Country of Origin China

Category UAVs

Air > UAVs

Classification

Domain

Air & Air Defense

Equipment Status

Active

Dimensions

Length

7 m

Width

8 m

Height

1.6 m

Weight

—

Operators (6)

China

Pakistan

Algeria

Iraq

Myanmar

Nigeria

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