Image source: topwar.ru
China has shown footage of the launch of hypersonic drones from aboard air carriers – the TB-001 drone and a high-altitude balloon.
As indicated in the publication The War Zone, the captured UAVs are associated with the MD-22 project, which is a prototype hypersonic drone.
It is claimed that the length of the MD-22 is approximately 10.8 m, the wingspan is almost 4.5 m, the empty weight is one ton, the maximum take-off weight is 4 tons, the maximum speed is 7 Mach, and the maximum flight range is 8 thousand km.
Image source: topwar.ru
It remains unclear which power plants are used in the MD-22 and similar UAVs. However, the new images indicate that the device is equipped with a single jet engine and possibly a pair of rocket engines located on the sides, which may be responsible for the initial impulse.
The Tengden TB-001 drone is used as a UAV carrier along with the balloon. This is a well-proven model, various versions of which are in service with the PLA and are equipped with a variety of weapons that are mounted on pylons.
Image source: topwar.ru
As noted, launching a payload of any type from a platform moving at hypersonic speed is associated with significant technological difficulties due to physical and thermal loads, especially during separation. The MD series devices can be useful for testing such a possibility.
