| Pterodactyl I 翼龙-1 |
|
|---|---|
| Role | MALE UCAV |
| Manufacturer | Chengdu |
| First flight | 2009? |
| Status | Flight testing |
| Primary user | People's Liberation Army Air Force |
The Chengdu Pterodactyl I (Chinese: 翼龙-1[1]) is a Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), developed by the Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group in the People's Republic of China. Intended for use as a surveillance and aerial reconnaissance platform, the Pterodactyl I, currently undergoing flight testing, is also capable of being fitted with air-to-surface weapons for use in a unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) role.
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Developed by the Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group (CAC), a division of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC),[2][3] the Pterodactyl I bears a distinct similarity in appearance to the Predator/Reaper family of drones developed by the United States.[3][4] The drone is capable of being fitted with a variety of sensors, including a forward looking infrared turret and synthetic aperture radar;[2] in addition, the aircraft is capable of carrying weapons.[4] The Pterodactyl I's total payload capacity for sensors and weapons is 200 kilograms (440 lb).[2]
According to Chengdu, the Pterodactyl I has been undergoing flight testing and has proven successful, with the flight test program including weapons tests of both bombs and air-to-surface missiles.[2]
A model of the Pterodactyl I was displayed at the 2010 China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition at Zhuhai, the first public acknowledgment of the program;[3][4] however, it was claimed by AVIC that the aircraft had been displayed at the 2008 airshow.[2] The aircraft has been approved for export by Chinese authorities; the Pterodactyl I was evaluated by Pakistan, but was not selected for procurement.[2]
One example of the type was known to have been lost in an accident during 2011.[5]
General characteristics
Performance
Armament
Avionics