CHINA’S CH-7 high-altitude, high-speed stealth drone recently conducted its maiden flight in a northwestern province, announced the China Academy of Aerospace Aerodynamics (CAAA), its designer and builder.

The CH-7 features a flying-wing design and is equipped with advanced mission payloads such as optical and infrared sensors. This configuration enables long endurance, high operational altitude, and robust mission capabilities, according to the academy, a subsidiary of the State-owned China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). The drone is suited for tasks including reconnaissance, target monitoring, and information support.

In upcoming tests, engineers will evaluate the CH-7’s flight performance and the capabilities of its mission systems.

The drone was first publicly unveiled at the 12th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in November 2018, where it quickly attracted significant attention and sparked speculation about its intended roles.

According to specifications displayed at the exhibition, the CH-7 has a wingspan of 27.3 meters, a maximum takeoff weight of 8 metric tons, a cruise speed of 612 kilometers per hour, and a maximum service ceiling of approximately 16 kilometers. It is capable of flying missions lasting up to 16 hours.

The Global Times, citing analysts, noted that the CH-7’s aerodynamic design means its flight speed cannot match that of modern fighter jets. Therefore, it is unlikely to serve as a traditional “wingman” drone for close air combat. Instead, leveraging its high stealth characteristics, it is expected to be deployed ahead of manned aircraft to penetrate and loiter in contested airspace for reconnaissance and surveillance. Its high endurance would allow for prolonged searches over target areas.

The Beijing-based academy began researching and developing the CH (short for Cai Hong, or Rainbow) series of drones in 1999. Engineers recognized that their expertise in aerodynamics and missile design could be effectively applied to unmanned aircraft.

Since then, CAAA has established a large portfolio of military drones, ranging from small battlefield reconnaissance models to large, sophisticated systems designed to penetrate enemy air defenses and strike targets.

To date, the academy has sold more than 200 medium and large combat drones to over 10 countries. According to CAAA, these unmanned aircraft have accumulated approximately 70,000 hours of operational flight time, with nearly 12,000 sorties and more than 2,000 munitions launched, boasting a reported successful hit rate of 98.2%.

The CH-7 represents a generational leap beyond previous export-oriented systems like the CH-4 and CH-5. It marks a strategic shift for the series from medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) platforms toward high-altitude, stealth-optimized systems.

(SD-Agencies)