WZ-7

The WZ-7, designed by the Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group and constructed by the 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 as the Soar Dragon.[5] Optimized for long-endurance missions at high altitude, the aircraft features an unusual tandem, joined wing platform.[6]

The WZ-7 entered serial production in 2015 to 2016.[2] In 2018, the unmanned aircraft system was spotted in PLA military bases.[1] In 2019, the WZ-7 was spotted in active reconnaissance mission at Taiwan Strait.[7]

The WZ-7 was officially unveiled to the public in 2021 at Zhuhai Airshow.[8]

Large by the standards of UAVs, the WZ-7's tandem, joined-wing design 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.[5] 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.[5] The air intake for the engine is mounted atop the fuselage, with the engine itself mounted in the rear of the aircraft.[5]

The WZ-7 has a similar role and mission to the Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk operated by the United States Air Force, but the aircraft design, including the unusual tandem wings and vertical stabilizers, is different.[6]

As of 2011, the WZ-7 was not known to have yet conducted its maiden flight, however it was undergoing radar cross-section and other electromagnetic tests in anticipation of flight testing.[5]

In service with the PLAAF, the primary mission of the WZ-7 is expected to be aerial reconnaissance, but it is anticipated that the aircraft will also be fitted with sensors suitable for designating naval vessels for targeting by anti-ship ballistic missiles and cruise missiles.[6]

Since 2018, seven WZ-7 and supporting infrastructure have spotted at three bases: three each at Shigatse Airbase in the Tibet Autonomous Region and Lingshui Air Base on Hainan Island (near the South China Sea), and two at Yishuntun Airbase.[9]

On July 24, 2019, a WZ-7 followed an American Ticonderoga-class cruiser, the USS Antietam as it transited the Taiwan Strait, marking its first operational use. As of 2019, the WZ-7 was being operated from three strategic sites: an airbase in Jilin province, Yishitung near Tibet and Lingshui on Hainan Island.[7]

 People's Republic of China

• People's Liberation Army Air Force: 8 units[2]
• People's Liberation Army Naval Air Force: 8 units[3]

Artist's impression of the WZ-7

Data from AirForces Monthly[5]

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

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

• BAE Systems Mantis
• CAIG Sky Wing
• Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk

Related lists

• List of unmanned aerial vehicles of China
• List of active People's Liberation Army aircraft