The state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) unveiled two models of its A-Hawk series of strike-capable, reconnaissance vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) at the 12-16 November Dubai Airshow 2017.
The multi-rotor A-Hawk I and A-Hawk II UAVs were marketed at the exhibition as being capable of carrying out military surveillance, cargo transport, and attack missions.
On display was a quarter-scale model of the A-Hawk I (also known as Cloud-1) equipped with what appeared to be two ordnance launchers. Powered by eight rotor engines, the platform has a maximum take-off weight of 175 kg, an endurance of 30 minutes, can carry a payload of 65 kg, and is able to reach a speed of 60 km/h and an altitude of 3 km. The A-Hawk I is reported to have a diameter of 3.47 m.
Chinese reports indicate the A-Hawk I will enable individual soldiers to conduct surveillance, urban counter-sniper, and emergency battlefield transport missions.
Also on display was a quarter-scale model of the A-Hawk II (also known as Cloud-2) UAV, which employs four tilting ducted fans. The platform has a reported maximum take-off weight of 120 kg, an endurance of 4 hours, and can reach a speed of 60 km/h and an altitude of 5 km.
