Manufacture： Guizhou Aircraft Industry Corporation
The Soar Dragon uav, designed by Chengdu Aircraft Corporation and constructed by Guizhou Aircraft Industry Corporation for service with the People's Liberation Army Air Force, was originally displayed as a model at the Zhuhai Air Show in 2006. Optimised for long-endurance missions at high altitude, the aircraft features an unusual tandem, joined wing platform. Except for the wing and the configuration of vertical stabilizers, the Soar Dragon is similar in appearance and mission to the Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk operated by the United States Air Force.
Large by the standards of UAVs, the Soar Dragon's joined wing allows for a more rigid, less flexible wing than other configurations, with benefits said to include an increased lift-to-drag ratio and less complex flight controls than a HALE UAV with a conventional wing would require. The aircraft is powered by a Guizhou WP-13 turbojet engine, a copy of the Soviet Tumansky R-13; it is anticipated that a newer, improved engine, will be installed in production aircraft. The air intake for the engine is mounted atop the fuselage, with the engine itself mounted in the rear of the aircraft.
Soar Dragon Drone Specifications
General characteristics
Crew: None
Length: 14.33 m (47 ft 0 in)
Wingspan: 24.86 m (81 ft 7 in)
Height: 5.41 m (17 ft 9 in)
Powerplant: 1 × Guizhou WP-13 turbojet, 43.1 kN (9,700 lbf) thrust
Performance
Cruise speed: 750 km/h (466 mph, 405 kn)
Range: 7,000 km (4,300 mi, 3,800 nmi)
Combat range: 2,000 km (1,200 mi, 1,100 nmi)
Endurance: 10 hours
Service ceiling: 18,000 m (59,000 ft)
Thrust/weight: 5.8
news
New Xianglong “Soaring Dragon” drones may also have application as tactical jammers. 29 Jul 2019
China’s New Soar Dragon Spy Drone Tailed a US Cruiser in Taiwan Strait 22:00 29.07.2019
China has deployed EA-03 “Soar Dragon” long-range reconnaissance drones at the Shigatse Peace Airport in the Tibet Autonomous Region Oct 7, 2017
China’s supersized ‘Xianglong’“Soar Dragon.” surveillance drone gets ready to soar July 20, 2016
'Soar Dragon' Drone to Strengthen PLA Aerial Capabilities Dec 06, 2016
The Chinese Xianglong 'Soaring Dragon' UAV was recently seen at Chengdu seemingly prepared for the first test flight. Oct 3, 2011
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