China Shows Wing Loong-X, A Combat Drone With Maximum Payload
Even though it has only been shown in the form of a 1:10 scale model, the combat drone (UCAV), which was released at the Paris AirShow 2023, has become a hot topic of conversation in the global defense community.
The combat drone called Wing Loong-X appears with so many payloads of weapons on both wings that this drone is nicknamed the 'bomb truck.'
As with the previous Wing Loong series, Wing Loong-1, Wing Loong-2, and Wing Loong-3, the Wing Loong-X is still in the MALE (Medium Altitude Long Endurance) drone segment.
Quoting from Janes.com, it is said that the Wing Loong-X is equipped with four underwing hardpoints under each wing surface that are mounted in the middle, ending with a winglet model wing tip.
The next-generation Chinese UCAV features a protruding nose carrying a Satellite Communications (SATCOM) terminal, radar, an electro-optical/infrared ventral (EO/IR) dome, a V-tail, two canted belly fins, and rear-mounted turboprop thrusters.
Engine propeller (propeller) that drives a five-bladed rotor.
Unfortunately, AVIC did not release further information about the specifications, configurations, and kinematic performance data of the Wing Loong-X.
According to unofficial reports, the wingspan of the Wing Loong-X is about 14.5 meters, and the length of the fuselage is 26.1 meters, which incidentally shows a longer drone body and a lower wing aspect ratio compared to the Wing Loong-10A (WL-10A).
The Wing Loong-X has straight wings that extend down the center and taper towards the outboard.
Shortening the wingspan with a straight-to-midsection design suitable for carrying heavier payloads.
The design of combat drones carries a large payload of weapons, reminiscent of the developing 'bomb truck' concept.
Reconnaissance UCAVs carrying heavy payloads also act as a force multiplier when equipped in conjunction with manned ground and air assets performing ground attack duties.
Like the three-engine Tengden TB001 'Bomber Drone, which has been airborne with missile ammunition and full air-to-ground bombs.
Judging from the marketing of Wing Loong, which has been selling well in the African market, it is suspected that Wing Loong-X will be targeted at the same market.
Like the Wing Loong-2 used by the Nigerian Air Force in an operation to attack a Boko Haram terrorist base that killed 100 people.
Algeria is also a prominent user of Chinese UCAVs, with Algeria receiving the latest batch of Wing Loong-2.
Algeria ordered 24 Wing Loong-2 drones in September 2021.
Algeria also operates other Chinese-made combat drones, such as the CH-3, CH-4, and the older Wing Loong-1 model.
Morocco also uses the Wing Loong-1, supplied by the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
In July 2022, Morocco began negotiating with China to buy Wing Loong-2 drones to replace their Wing Loong-1 models.
