China, the world's largest exporter of military drones, will soon be ready to export another unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) for military use. And, yes, it will be a lot cheaper and much easier to buy than American UCAVs.
Next on the export market is the TYW-1 UCAV developed by Beihang University in Beijing, one of China's leading institutes for science and technology. A high-altitude, long-endurance (HALE) UCAV, TYW-1 can be use for either reconnaissance or combat duties.
It's based on the BZK-005 UCAV (also developed by Beihang), which is widely used by the People's Liberation Army (PLA), and has performed many operations, said Chinese state-run media.
TYW-1 made its maiden flight in September 2016 and will be placed on the international market in 2018, said Wang Jianping, deputy general manager and chief designer at Beihang Unmanned Aircraft System Technology. The firm was set up by Beihang University to develop and market drones.
TYW-1 will be able to fly for about 40 hours and has a maximum take-off weight of 1,500 kilograms. The UCAV will be capable of carrying six missiles or bombs with a combined weight of 300 kg.
More important, it can track a target and strike without manual control. It can also can take-off and land autonomously. Beihang claims it only takes a month to train an operator.
TYW-1 is also an open and modular platform, meaning it can use equipment and weapons developed by Chinese companies, but also by other countries.
This export sale of TYW-1 will be the first time a Chinese university will sell a HALE UCAV on the international market. Beihang University is in for tough competition, given it will have to take on established UCAV makers such as the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) that makes the Wing Loong UAV, and the China Academy of Aerospace Aerodynamics in Beijing that developed the Cai Hong (CH) of family aerial drones.
Also known in the West as the Chengdu Pterodactyl I, Wing Loong is a Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) UAV popular as a cheaper alternative to U.S.-made aerial drones such as the General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper.
On the other hand, CH-5 can be used for both reconnaissance and ground attack missions. Its maker claims this drone is superior to the MQ-9 Reaper, generally considered the best combat drone in the world.
CH-series drones have been sold to military users in over 10 countries. CH-5 can carry an airborne early warning system to act as a platform for regional surveillance, and battlefield command and control.