With regard to the unobtrusive reconnaissance and strike UAV model Cloud Shadow 5000T (also known as CS-5000T), it is known that the device was developed by AVIC Corporation specialists in the interests of the PLA Air Force.
The production of this UAV is located at the Chengdu Aircraft Manufacturing Plant. According to publications, the CS-5000T has a length of 12.25 m, a wingspan of 18 m, a height of 3.1 m, and a maximum take-off weight of 20 (according to other sources, 25) tons. The payload weighing from 3 to 4 tons can be placed in two missile and bomb compartments (designed for small-caliber feathered bombs of the TL series or anti-ship missiles of the YJ-9 series).
CS-5000T UAV PLA Air Force. Front view
The effective scattering area of this device is 0.01 square meters.m. – sufficiently low radar visibility. When fully fueled, the maximum flight range is 4,000 km, which is possible when traveling at speeds up to MACH 0.6. The maximum horizontal flight speed is 0.9 MAX. The practical ceiling is 12,000 m.
It is known that to date, several practical flights have been conducted under the supervision of testers using the Y–8 military transport aircraft. It has been established that the device has high maneuverability when performing practical flights.
The PLA Air Force intends to work out a wide range of tasks using this UAV, which can be used as a target simulating the actions of B-2 strategic bombers. This is necessary to check the level of capabilities of anti-aircraft missile systems and radar stations in service with the PLA air defense. Additionally, the CS-5000T can be used as a simulator of the H-20 strategic bomber.
THE CS-5000T UAV OF THE PLA AIR FORCE. Rear view (obviously, the device is equipped with engines without afterburners)
According to the forward-looking instructions on the tactics of combat use of UAVs in the interests of the PLA Air Force, the device in question should interact automatically with the WZ-9 scout (detects surface ships, transmits guidance data and controls the actions of other devices) and the WZ-10 UAV (interferes with the radar of an enemy surface ship).
In addition, the CS-5000T can operate as a group of 4 vehicles that will conduct reconnaissance for the J-20S manned fighter aircraft – data transmission will be carried out via a digital communication channel. In the case of independent use, the CS-5000T must independently overcome the enemy's air defense lines (meaning the air defense of the Republic of India) and strike at infrastructure facilities that do not have the cover of air defense systems.
Source: based on materials from Chinese specialized publications
