The GJ-11 Sharp Sword heavy class reconnaissance and strike unmanned aerial vehicle was photographed in flight for the first time. Previously, this UAV was demonstrated in October 2019, at a military parade in Beijing dedicated to the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. Among the promising equipment, it was taken through Tiananmen Square.
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The first flight photo of the new GJ-11 Sharp Sword heavy reconnaissance and strike UAV developed by the Hongdu Aviation Industry Group (HAIG) aircraft corporation has been published on the Chinese social network weibo.
... pic.twitter.com/tW1PPqw0jh
— Jesus Roman (@jesusfroman) January 18, 2021
The GJ-11 was also shown at a closed drone exhibition held at the PLA Malan Air Force Base. Satellite photos leaked online in late 2019.
According to some reports, this jet-powered drone, which has low radar visibility, was developed for a long time by the Hongdu Aviation Industry Group (HAIG) Aircraft Corporation.
The first flight was made back in 2013, and it is currently in service.
The take-off weight of the Sharp Sword can reach 10,000 kg. The combat load weight is 2000 kg. At the same time, high-precision ammunition can be located on both external and internal suspension units.
When performing combat missions, it can accelerate to 900-1000 km / h. The combat radius is 1200 km. The maximum flight range is 4000 km. The practical ceiling is 12,500 m. The wingspan is 14 m.
Earlier, the Chinese media reported on the creation of another invisible - Sky Hawk. However, this drone is smaller and can lift only 370 kg of payload to a height of 7 km.
Here is the more flight photos of the GJ-11 'Sharp Sword' Drone from #China ??.
Cruise speed: 1,000 km/h
Range: 4,000 km
Service ceiling: 12,500 m
Wingspan: 14 m
I'm not certain how authenticate are this images. #PLAAF
1/2 https://t.co/47FzbGgGsu pic.twitter.com/MTs7qJ0xkI
— The Dead District (@TheDeadDistrict) January 19, 2021
Alexey Moiseev