INTELLIGENCE REPORT 02/022: POSSIBLE CHINESE STEALTH DRONE REVEALED

21 OCT 22

02/022

Executive Summary

(U//ALCON) Footage has emerged of a possible Chinese stealth drone, that could be a prototype never before seen.

(U//ALCON) Initial imagery analysis indicates that the footage is likely the CS-550T based on the wing design, colour and shape. However, it's still possible that it could be one of the Chinese prototype stealth drones.

Background

(U//ALCON) Twitter user @CRNICAMILITAR1 posted a video showing a UKN Chinese stealth drone. It is currently unclear whether this is a drone that was believed to still be in the developmental stage or if it is a smaller target drone that is believed to have already carried out test flights.

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/ab38f0_44451b98147742dbb51320dbc59e7b42/480p/mp4/file.mp4

(U//ALCON) Footage of likely Chinese stealth drone

Star Shadow

(U//ALCON) The 'Star Shadow' is a prototype stealth drone in development and was believed to still be in model form only. The 'Star Shadow' has the following technical characteristics:

• (U//ALCON) Wingspan. 50ft

• (U//ALCON) Max ceiling: 50,000ft

• (U//ALCON Endurance: 12h

• (U//ALCON) Max 900lb payload

• (U//ALCON) Engines: Twin TWS800 turbofan

(U//ALCON) Separate reporting has stated that the Star Shadow was being offered for export, however, there were no official plans. There were suggestions that the first test flight was to be held in 2019, but there has been no evidence of this flight occurring.

(U//ALCON) Concept art of the Star Shadow stealth drone

Caihong-7

(U//ALCON) The Caihong-7 (CH-7) was developed by CASC's 11th Research Institute where a full mock-up was shown at the Zhuhai Air Show in 2018. Specifications of the CH-7 include:

• (U//ALCON) Length of around 33 feet

• (U//ALCON) Wingspan of 72 feet,

• (U//ALCON) Maximum take-off weight of 14.3 tons

• (U//ALCON) top speed of Mach 0.75.

(U//ALCON) The CH-7 is reported to be designed to undertake both reconnaissance and strike missions. CASC describe the CH-7 as a high-altitude, long-range stealth drone, with its Chief Designer Shi Wen stating that it can “fly long hours, scout and strike the target when necessary.”

(U//ALCON) Reporting suggests that the CH-7 was due to undertake test flights in 2019 and 2022 but it is currently unknown if these took place.

(U//ALCON) CH-7 Mock Up

CS-550T

(U//ALCON) There have even been suggestions that the drone in the video could even be a smaller target drone design, namely the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) CS-550T, which has a wingspan of just 18 feet. It is designed to carry mission payloads of more than 100 pounds, including electronic jamming devices and infrared flares.

(U//ALCON) CS-550T Mock Up

Assessment

(U//ALCON) Initial imagery analysis indicates that the footage is likely the CS-550T based on the wing design, colour and shape. However, it's still possible that it could be one of the Chinese prototype stealth drones.

(U//ALCON) China is almost certainly developing the architecture that will eventually allow UCAVs to be employed both as autonomous networked swarms, but also as companion 'loyal wingmen' to manned combat aircraft.

Disclaimer

The opinions and assessments captured within this report are those of the author and are not representative of any political institution, military or government agency. All reports in this document are drawn from publicly available sources and have been collected via non-intrusive means. The information in this newsletter is written and produced for educational purposes only. This report and the information captured within should not be used for any purpose other than previously stated and the author holds no responsibility for any detrimental outcome as a result of using this document other than its intended purposes. As all information is drawn from publicly available sources, the author cannot judge the credibility of the information; however, all reasonable steps have been taken to ensure validity.