In the "aircraft carrier building" in Wuhan, a brand newCarrier-based UAVsdebuted, which attracted the attention of the outside world. People speculate about thisDronesIt could be some type of stealthCarrier-based UAVstest prototypes. and China that previously made a public appearanceDronesDifferent, this new typeDronesThe size is stunning, and it can be called "heavy-duty."Carrier-based UAVs”。Its size data are the same as those of the J-15FightersQuite, even more than the attack-11DronesIt's even bigger. This appearance may break the outside world on ChinaCarrier-based UAVsand sparked widespread speculation about its combat power.
In ** this new typeCarrier-based UAVsBefore we do that, we first need to figure it outCarrier-based UAVsTasks and Uses. Unlike the combat environment on land, the aircraft carrier is located in a maritime combat radius of thousands of kilometersRadarWide coverage, even in the faceSupersonicIt is also difficult for anti-ship missiles to escape the fate of being locked in at low altitudes. Therefore, in high-intensity naval battles, the low and medium endDronesIt is difficult to play an effective role. Use at seaDronesIt has different performance and usage methods than on land. Currently, China and the United States asDronesThe two countries with the most in-depth research in the field have proposed four main onesCarrier-based UAVsUse ideas.
1. Participate in sea-to-ground strikes
The idea is to make high performanceDronesParticipate in sea-to-ground strikes. NewCarrier-based UAVsand developed in the United StatesX-47B UAVIt adopts a flying wing stealth layout, with a high level of intelligence, and can take off and land autonomously, fly and strike autonomously, and land autonomously. This kindDronesCarrying large-sized ammunition, capable of delivering precision strikes against enemy targets.
2. It is used as an air tanker
Carrier-based UAVsAlso available as an airFuel dispenserUse. It is currently being developed in the United StatesMQ-25 unmanned tankeris a good example. With the help ofDronesCarrying out in-flight refueling can greatly extend the combat time and range of other aircraft.
3. Carry out aviation anti-submarine patrol missions
DronesThe advantage of long endurance makes it very suitable for performing aviation anti-submarine patrol missions. China is developing a certain type of anti-submarineDrones, as well as the United StatesMQ-9 UAVAnti-submarine model. theseDronesIt is possible to conduct long patrols at sea and detect potential submarine threats.
4. Carry out reconnaissance missions
Carrier-based UAVsIt can also be used to expand the situational awareness of the entire fleet, perform various reconnaissance missions. China is developing a conformal array of equipmentRadarofCarrier-based UAVsto supplement the combat capabilities of carrier-based AWACS aircraft. Through efficient reconnaissance,DronesIt can provide important intelligence support and provide strong data support for command decision-making.
This new typeCarrier-based UAVsThe appearance on the "aircraft carrier building" will be ChinaCarrier-based UAVsDevelopment has been pushed to a new level. As you can see from the **, thisDronesThe size is huge, with a wingspan of about 11 to 13 meters and a length of more than 10 meters. It was designed with a flying wing layout with a smaller trailing edge sweep angle, similar to the Attack-11DronesThere is a clear difference in comparison.
Based on these size data, we can guess this oneDronesofMaximum take-off weightIt may be more than 10 tons, but not more than 20 tons. In terms of powertrain, it is expected to use one medium-thrust engine or two low-thrust engines. Due to the pedigree of medium-grade turbofan engines, the use of turbofan 13 series engines is more likely. NewDronesIt has a considerable payload capacity and has the possibility of carrying several 500kg guided bombs or 4 piecesSupersonicAnti-ship missiles. In addition, it has plenty of fuel storage space, which, combined with the wing layout design, makes it the longest-range of the rangeCarrier-based aircraftOne of them has increased the ability of aircraft carriers to strike at ground to sea.
In addition to the size and mount capacity, theDronesThe degree of intelligence and anti-interference ability are also key. According to other ChineseDronesIt can be determined that it has autonomous route planning and autonomous flight capabilities. However, there are still challenges to achieving autonomous take-off and landing on aircraft carriers. China has developed a command for useDronesCombat two-seater typeJ-20Fighters, but in manned andDronesIn terms of coordinated operations, there is relatively little research in the Navy.
For China, this new typeCarrier-based UAVsIn addition to its technical performance, more important is its experience of use on catapult carriers. The United States has fully tested this aspectX-47B UAVDemonstrated outstanding performance. Although this project was later beenU.S. militaryThe top vetoed, butU.S. militaryIt has accumulated advantages in related technologies. Therefore, China should take advantage of this new modelCarrier-based UAVsto accelerate the improvement of research tests in related fields, and for follow-upCarrier-based UAVsResearch and development to lay a more solid foundation.