China prepares to launch large drone ‘mothership'
China is preparing to launch a new drone-carrying mothership capable of releasing 100 kamikaze unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) at the same time.
The Jiu Tian, which means 'high sky', is a high-altitude long-range UAV that can transport weapons and equipment.
Over the weekend, state media reported that the fourth prototype had completed its structural assembly and was undergoing installation and testing. It will set off on its maiden flight next month as China looks to boost its air force capabilities.
The Jiu Tian was developed by Shaanxi Unmanned Equipment Technology and was unveiled at the Zhuhai air show, the largest in the country, in November.
The vehicle has a 25-metre wingspan and can fly for 12 hours, with a maximum range of 7000 kilometres. It has a take-off weight of 16 tonnes and a transporting capacity of six tonnes, which could be used to carry anything from surveillance technology to ammunition.
The most noteworthy part of the new aircraft is its ability to launch large quantities of drones at once, making it difficult for a defender to respond. Video footage released by state media replicates what this could look like.
Drone swarms can be hugely beneficial for intelligence gathering, surveillance and reconnaissance, which would be important in the event of an escalation in conflict between China and Taiwan.
The aircraft can also carry cruise missiles and medium-range air-to-air missiles, such as the PL-12E.
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