Guizhou WZ-2000
| WZ-2000 | |
|---|---|
| Role | Surveillance UAV |
| National origin | People's Republic of China |
| Manufacturer | Guizhou Aviation Industry Group (GAIC) |
| First flight | 26 December 2003 |
The Guizhou WZ-2000, also known as the WuZhen-2000 and previously the WZ-9, is a multi-purpose Unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) developed by Guizhou Aviation Industry Group (GAIC) in the People's Republic of China.
Design and development
Development on the WZ-2000 began in 1999. A mock up of the WZ-2000 was publicly displayed at the 2000 Zhuhai Airshow, with a more accurate model on display at the 2002 event. First flight was on 26 December 2003, and there is sketchy news that an improved version, possibly designated the WZ-2000B, was due to fly at the end of 2005.
The UAV is powered by a single WS-11 turbofan engine which sits on top of the empennage between the two V-shaped tail fins. The fins are canted at approximately 40°. The sensor package includes thermal imaging camera, synthetic aperture radar, with images transmitted via a satellite communications antenna in the nose bulge.
Specifications
General characteristics
- Capacity: 80 kg (176 lb) payload
- Length: 7.5 m (24 ft 7 in)
- Wingspan: 9.8 m (32 ft 2 in)
- Max takeoff weight: 1,700 kg (3,748 lb)
- Powerplant: 1 × WS-11 turbofan, 16.9 kN (3,800 lbf) thrust
Performance
- Maximum speed: 800 km/h (497 mph; 432 kn)
- Range: 2,400 km (1,491 mi; 1,296 nmi)
- Combat range: 800 km (497 mi; 432 nmi)
- Endurance: 3 hours
- Service ceiling: 18,000 m (59,000 ft)
Armament
- At least 2 × KD2 air-to-surface missiles
- Additional number of ZD1 precision-guided bombs
See also
- Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era