China Conducts First Flight of Maritime Version of CH-5 Drone

A maritime version of China-developed CH-5 drone reconnaissance drone conducted its first flight recently.

The CH UAV Company developed the maritime version of the CH-5 drone, a medium-to-high altitude, long-endurance large drone system to cope with oceanic conditions, Global Times reported quoting CH executives.

The drone system could host various payloads, including photoelectric devices and wide-region search radars, and is capable of carrying out surveillance and monitoring missions at sea, the developer said.

The linkage testing of the radar systems was completed in the test, said the development team. The next tests will involve more intensive sea environments.

Compared to the standard version of the CH-5, the maritime version was improved to cope with high-temperature, humid and salt fog situations at sea. For instance, connectors of parts were replaced with titanium to adapt to maritime environments, the company said.

The standard version of the CH-5 is a medium-to-high altitude long endurance armed reconnaissance drone with a fully automatic flight control system, jam-proof data chain and all-weather payload, according to a CH statement.

With a wing span of 21 meters and a ceiling of 8,300 meters, the standard CH-5 has a maximum endurance of 35 hours, a top speed of 300 kilometers an hour, a maximum takeoff weight of 3,300 kilograms, and a payload weight of 480 kilograms.

The standard CH-5 can conduct short takeoff and landing in plateau regions. It can be customized with equipment such as fire control radar, electronic countermeasures and jamming devices.