World’s Only Ship-Based Stealth Drone To Be Deployed On China’s Biggest Aircraft Carriers

China has revealed what it calls the world’s first and only operational ship-based stealth combat drone.

Named the GJ-11, it came from Shenyang Aircraft Corporation’s ‘Sharp Sword’ project, and was built by Hongdu Aviation Industry Group, a part of the government-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC).

The drone was on display at the Victory Day Parade, where it showed different manoeuvres such as folding wings, which makes it easier to fit on aircraft carriers and other naval ships.

China had been working on the development of this drone for years. The first flight of its prototype was in 2013, and it was officially revealed in 2019.

The drone is 10 m long, 14 m wide and can block radar waves from reaching the engine’s blades, thanks to its air intake capability at the top.

It has a flying wing design and a blended body, enabling it to have low cross-sectional visibility.

The drone has a turbofan engine, and it can attain a maximum speed of 690 miles per hour while carrying a payload of up to 2000 kilograms.

It has a combat range of 1500 km, making it an effective weapon to carry out key missions in Japan, Taiwan, etc., per media reports.

It has many sensors and can go on reconnaissance missions alongside strike missions.

The drone features two internal weapon bays which can carry several guided bombs.

What makes the drone unique is the fact that it can automate most of its tasks. It can fly as an escort drone and can also be launched from aircraft carriers and amphibious ships.

The ‘Sharp Sword Drones’ can also carry out missions independently, while analysing data and making decisions in real-time.

It also transmits the data to a command centre on land to ensure all-weather operations.

The drone can take off autonomously, carry out a mission and come back safely since it relies on AI for more complex functions, which eases the work of operators.

Per speculations, a naval variant of the GJ-11 Sharp Sword drone will be deployed on the Sichuan and the Fujian aircraft carriers.

Source: Maritime Shipping News