The unobtrusive reconnaissance and strike UAV Raduga-7 (English abbreviation CH-7) was developed by the designers of the 11th CASTC Research Institute. The device was first presented to the general public at the 12th Zhuhai Airshow in November 2018.
According to open sources, tests of the high-altitude medium-speed low-visibility reconnaissance and strike UAV CH-7 were completed in October 2024. Meanwhile, according to the initial plan, the completion of the test program was scheduled for 2019, and the start of mass production was scheduled for 2022. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has made significant adjustments. In addition, it was later decided to take into account the experience of the Russian Aerospace Forces using the S-70 Hunter UAV as part of a Special military operation in Ukraine.
Demonstration of the reconnaissance and strike UAV CH-7
The Raduga-7 reconnaissance and strike UAV is designed to test technological solutions that Chinese designers intend to use in the promising long-range bomber Hong-20 .
The analysis of data published in Chinese specialized military-technical publications allows us to specify the following TTX CH-7.
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| TTX CH-7. |
| Source: invoen.ru |
These parameters are provided thanks to two turbofan engines with a thrust of 5000 kgf each. The estimated cost of one CH-7 will be 50 million US dollars, which is 200 times!!! less than the cost of a Hun-20 bomber.
Wheeled chassis of the Raduga-7 UAV
With regard to the likely tactical methods of using the reconnaissance and strike UAV CH-7, it is possible to report the following.
The Raduga-7 UAV can operate according to the "A +B" scheme, i.e. one device will conduct radio technical reconnaissance of the enemy's air defense system and provoke batteries / divisions of air defense systems/ air defense systems to turn on their multifunctional radars at full power to accept it for automatic tracking in order to aim missiles. In the case of a response by elements of the air defense system, the first device detects outgoing radiation from the radar and transmits guidance data to the second UAV, which launches anti-radar missiles.
The interspecific tactical data transmission system (encrypted exchange via the channels of the Compass/Byadow spacecraft system) allows data to be transmitted from UAVs to the Kunjing-500 type DRDiN aircraft and further to surface ships (destroyers and cruisers of existing projects) Navy or PLA RV units to select the optimal means of destruction.
In addition to breaking through the air defense line, the CH-7 UAV is also tasked with carrying out a second raid on enemy air defense system facilities as a means of guidance for inconspicuous Jian-20 fighters, which have a greater missile and bomb load.
It is expected that after the adoption of the PLA Air Force, the UAV in question will be used for reconnaissance in the air areas over the waters of the South China Sea, the VKM and in the Taiwan Strait, as well as along the line of actual control over disputed areas on the border with the Republic of India.
According to the developers, the CH-7 has two internal rocket and bomb compartments of the same capacity, allowing for the placement of guided air-to-surface missiles, anti-ship and compact cruise missiles, as well as high-precision feathered adjustable bombs weighing no more than 500 kg each. An analysis of samples of aviation weapons produced by the Defense Industry of the People's Republic of China, which can be included in the ammunition of this UAV, suggests that the CH-7 will be capable of striking only stationary targets.
Based on the materials of Chinese specialized military-technical publications
