Surging Exports Make China's “CH” Drone Maker to Expand Manufacturing Capacity

China has expanded production of CH series of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) owing to heavy market demand.

Cai Hong (CH) UAVs were developed by the China Academy of Aerospace Aerodynamics (CAAA), an entity under the state-owned China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC).

The CH UAV company told the Global Times that the bestselling drone was CH-4, having sold more than 200 units.

The firm is constructing a modern, intelligent production line in Taizhou, East China's Zhejiang Province, which will be fully operating by 2023.

The announcement came shortly before the upcoming Airshow China 2022, where the CH series drones will be exhibited. Airshow China is scheduled to be held from November 8 to 13 in Zhuhai, South China's Guangdong Province.

After being upgraded with a domestically developed heavy-fuel engine, the CH-4 armed reconnaissance drone will make its reappearance at the air show. Thanks to the new power source, the CH-4 now has a longer endurance, a longer range, a higher cruise altitude and ceiling, as well as a larger payload capacity.

The latest version of the CH-5 will offer maritime applications, as it can detect information on the sea surface and underwater.

As a high-end drone, the CH-7 is characterized by its high-altitude, high-speed, high-endurance and stealth capabilities. The CH-7 can conduct reconnaissance missions without opponents becoming aware of it.

Other known members in the CH drone family include the cheap but effective CH-3, the large CH-6, the tilt-rotor CH-10 and the solar-powered CH-T4. The company also makes munitions suitable for use with the drones.

In addition to the CH series, China's Wing Loong series and Twin-Tailed Scorpion series are expected to participate in the event.