According to national sources, the development of China's high-altitude supersonic reconnaissance UAV WZ-8 specialists of the Beihang Yuchangying UAV Technology Company (Beijing) began in 2011. At the same time, they were based on data on a similar device under the designation D-21, which American designers developed simultaneously with the SR-71 Blackbird reconnaissance aircraft ("Blackbird").
The Chinese designers took into account the capabilities of the air defense systems of the SV and the US Navy, namely the Patriot air defense system with the MIM-104 PAC3 missile (launch height up to 25 km) and the RIM-161 SM-3 ship-based missiles (launch height up to 30 km). As a result, they formulated the concept of a "Paired Four", according to which the WZ-8 should fly at a speed of MACH 4 and at altitudes of more than 40 km, which makes it possible to safely break through the air defense lines of the US Army and Navy.
According to Chinese sources, the drone performed its first test flight in 2015, while the presentation of this Chinese UAV took place as part of the 2019 parade dedicated to the 70th anniversary of the independence of the People's Republic of China. According to observers, the length of the WZ-8 can range from 11.5 to 13 m, wingspan from 4.5 to 6.7 m, height up to 2.2 m. Gross weight – 5000 kg.
China's WZ-8 UAV at Zhuhai Airshow-2022It is known that a three-dimensional UAV frame made of titanium alloy on a three-dimensional laser printer is produced by Xinjinghe Laser Technology Development (Beijing) Co.,Ltd (Beijing).
Chassis, hydraulics and fuel equipment are provided by Guizhou Longfei Aviation Accessories Co., Ltd. (Anshun, prov. Guizhou). The second company is part of the Guizhou Aviation Company, specializing in the production of UAVs of several models.
According to the developed concept, the launch of the WZ-8 provides a long-range bomber "Hun-6" in modifications K, J or N, since the maximum mass of the combat load for such an aircraft is about 6000 kg. The launch of a UAV from a carrier aircraft can be carried out at altitudes from 3000 m. The placement of the UAV under the fuselage of the carrier aircraft is provided by two eyelets.
As a power plant on the WZ-8, two liquid rocket engines of the YF-50A model are used (they are part of the third stage of the Great Trek-4 light class launch vehicle), which have been upgraded for an extended operating time of 1000 seconds. According to Chinese sources, the thrust of this engine is about 670 kgf / sq.m.
The nozzles of the YF-50A engines and the brake shield in the tail of the UAVThe use of a liquid engine is due to the need to use fuel economically (the fuel tank capacity does not exceed 2000 liters.) and at the same time develop a speed of up to MACH 6.
According to the information received, the WZ-8 has a maximum flight range of about 3000 km and can maneuver at an altitude of up to 100 km. The plumage of the drone has movable steering surfaces that provide maneuvers along the course and in height. The duration of the flight at speeds of MACH 4, 5 and 6 is 45, 30 and 16.5 minutes, respectively.
The low level of radar visibility of the drone provides a special coating that feels like rubber. The case is practically devoid of holes for air intake.
As a payload, China's WZ-8 reconnaissance UAV carries a reconnaissance radar and multi-channel satellite communication equipment (with reconnaissance spacecraft, DRDiN aircraft, reconnaissance aircraft). This equipment allows the drone not only to navigate in space, but also to provide guidance for medium-range and extended-range ballistic missiles of the type "East Wind-21" and "East Wind-26".
UAV WZ-8 under the fuselage of the long-range bomber "Hun-6"In the event of an operation against the US Navy carrier strike groups in the waters of the Sea of Japan, two Hong-6 bombers under the cover of 4 Jian-20 fighters should launch two WZ-8 UAVs that will provide reconnaissance and guidance of these BRSD.
In order to carry out objective control, the second group of Hun-6 bombers consisting of 6 aircraft will ensure the launch of six WZ-8 UAVs, which will verify the results of the use of ballistic missile weapons. [...]
According to the calculations of Chinese specialists, the PLA Air Force units must have at least 100 WZ-8 unmanned aerial vehicles in their arsenal in order to adequately perform tasks in the Northern (Sea of Japan), Eastern (East China Sea) and Southern (South China Sea and further in the direction of Guam) operational directions, taking into account possible failures.
According to available information, the PLA Air Force has already conducted two reconnaissance operations in the northern and eastern operational directions using the WZ-8.
Layout of structural elements WZ-8Enumeration from nose to tail:
- Nose fairing
- Satellite communication system for data transmission to ground control points
- Hardware compartment hatch
- Satellite communication system for transmitting/receiving data to/from reconnaissance spacecraft, DRDiN aircraft and reconnaissance aircraft.
- Compartment with intelligence equipment
- Synthetic aperture radar
- Eyelets of fastenings under the fuselage of the bomber "Hun-6"
- Filler neck for fuel
- Fuel tank
Based on the materials of Chinese specialized military-technical publications
