WINGS LOONG II UAV MALE
The Wing Loong II is an improved version of the Wing Loong UAV in the MALE (Medium Altitude Long Endurance) category designed and manufactured by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) in China. The company unveiled the concept of the Wing Loong II at the Airshow China in Beijing in September 2015, and a prototype of the Wing Loong II was first shown to the public at the Airshow China, held in Zhuhai from November 1 to 6, 2016. It was also first shown in Europe at the Paris Air Show in June 2017. Compared to the Wing Loong I, the Wing Loong II features an optimized aerodynamic design, improved airframe, and upgraded flight system, offering better capabilities in terms of flight, payload, and communications capabilities.
Classification: Medium altitude endurance, armed drone
Design: China
Accessories: GPS communications system, electro-optical pod with daylight and infrared camera and sensor. It can be equipped with bombs, rockets or surface-to-air missiles.
SPECIFICATIONS
GVW: max 4,200 kg
Altitude: 9,900 m maximum
Length: 11.0 m
Wingspan: 20.5 m
Crew: 1 operator
The Wing Loong II UAV MALE has a maximum payload of 400 kg. It can carry up to 12 laser-guided bombs or missiles with a total weight of 480 kg. The Wing Loong 1 can only carry two bombs or missiles with a total weight of 100 kg. At the 2016 Zhuhai Airshow, the Wing Loong II was displayed with various bombs and missiles such as the 50 kg FT-9/50 bomb, the 250 kg GB3 laser-guided bomb, the TL-10 bomb and more. The electro-optical payload pod, mounted under the forward part of the fuselage, is equipped with cameras and daylight, infrared sensors to collect surveillance and targeting data in both day and low light/night conditions.
The Wing Loong II UAV MALE is developed primarily for the export market and is designed for aerial surveillance and reconnaissance missions. It can be equipped with a variety of weapons to perform combat and strike missions. The Wing Loong UAV is remotely controlled by an operator from a mobile ground control station using a console. The control station receives payload information from the UAV via a communications data link and sends back command and control, as well as mission planning data to the air vehicle.
The Wing Loong II UAV MALE is powered by a turbocharger engine that drives a three-bladed propeller mounted at the rear. It can fly for 20 hours and has a maximum speed of 370 km per hour. The Wing Loong II has a range of 1,500 km and is equipped with a satellite communications system.