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China Begins Operating Z-20 Medium-Lift Helicopter From Type 075 Class April 04, 2024 | Janes This report discusses videos on Chinese social media and state-owned television which show the Type 075 ship carrying Z-20 airframes along with Z-8C helicopters for a "field test." The Z-20 reportedly resembles the Sikorsky S-70C/UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter and has a maximum take-off weight of 10 tonnes. China has naval and anti-submarine warfare variants of the Z-20, with the naval variant featuring additional equipment like EO/IR sensors and stub wing pylons for torpedoes. The Z-20 is said to be in service with various army formations, and it is unclear which variant was onboard the Hainan in the videos.
China Develops "Strategic" Anti-air Missile with 2,000 km Range April 04, 2024 | 163 News Reports on Chinese news outlets discuss a recently published working paper on the prototype of a super-long range anti-air missile developed by North West Polytechnic University of China. The paper listed requirements that will be satisfied by the prototype, including 2,000 km range, being less than 4 tons in weight and 10 meters in length, and being a two-stage rocket-boosted hypersonic vehicle capable of penetrating deep into enemy air space targeting bombers and AWACS.
China Unveils its New CH-3D Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle April 10, 2024 | Army Recognition China has unveiled its CH-3D Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV), a high altitude and long endurance flights (HALE) drone developed by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). Compared to the CH-3 UAV, the CH-3D features upgrades such as SATCOM antennas for improved communication, HALE capabilities, retractable landing gear for aerodynamics, and advanced composite materials for reduced weight and increased stealth. The drone also includes enhanced surveillance and targeting systems, improved fuel efficiency, and greater payload capacity. The report notes that the advanced capabilities of the CH-3D could cause it to cost more than the Turkish TB2 drone, a well-established competitor known for its cost-effectiveness.
China Develops New Light Tank with 105mm Cannon to Compete with Western BAE Systems' CV90105 April 12, 2024 | Army Recognition China has developed a new light fire support vehicle based on the VN20 tracked Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV), equipped with a 105mm cannon with an automatic loading system. The report notes that the new vehicle is similar to Western models like the BAE Systems CV90105 light tank, showcasing China's "efforts to match and potentially exceed Western standards in military vehicle performance." The report mentions the VT5 light tank and suggests that the new IFV will be lighter than the VT5 while maintaining comparable firepower, and will potentially offer a cost-effective yet potent option in the global arms market.
China Converts Type 59 Main Battle Tank into New Heavy Infantry Fighting Vehicle April 18, 2024 | Army Recognition The report discusses China's development of a new heavy infantry fighting vehicle (HIFV) based on the Type 59 Main Battle Tank. The vehicle was initially unveiled in August 2017 at the Baotou training ground by Norinco. An updated version of the HIFV was observed in spring 2023, suggesting ongoing development and potential interest from international clients. The vehicle is speculated to have been developed at Plant No. 617, a facility under Inner Mongolia First Machinery Group (FIRMACO), a subsidiary of Norinco. The HIFV features a reconfigured hull with the engine and transmission compartment relocated to the front for improved protection, along with a combat module armed with a 30mm cannon, a 7.62mm machine gun, and anti-tank guided missiles.
China Tests HH-100 Cargo UAV April 10, 2024 | Janes The report discusses the HH-100 large cargo unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) being developed by AVIC. The UAV, with a planned maximum take-off weight of 2 tons, has completed high-speed automatic taxiing tests and is being prepared for flight testing. The HH-100 is designed for "regional logistics transport roles, forest and grassland monitoring and firefighting, disaster relief, communications relay, and cloud seeding," however, it is also expected to have military applications. The UAV system includes the aircraft and a ground command-and-control station with a payload capacity of 700 kg, cruising speed of 300 km/h, service ceiling of 5,000 m, and a maximum range of 520 km with a full payload. The prototype features an unconventional boom configuration, suggesting rapid development using existing technology.
The Construction of the 4th Chinese Aircraft Carrier has Reportedly Started April 20, 2024 | Meta-Defense According to the report, the construction of a fourth aircraft carrier has reportedly started in China without any technical difficulties. There is no information about the propulsion system for the new carrier, however, the report suggest that a conventionally powered carrier may be more suitable for China's current needs. The Fujian, China's third aircraft carrier which is equipped with modern features like electromagnetic catapults is expected to undergo sea trials soon, and is anticipated to enter into service by mid-2025. Additionally, the Liaoning carrier is undergoing tests with a model of the J-35 stealth fighter onboard, indicating potential enhancements to its air group. The Chinese Navy's ambitious goal includes acquiring a fleet of around a dozen aircraft carriers by 2045 to rival the US Navy.
China Tests Hypersonic UAV on H-6 Bomber April 23, 2024 | X Photographs have been circulating on the internet of what seems to be the MD-22 unmanned hypersonic test platform being tested by an H-6 bomber. The platform was claimed to be a space shuttle version of Loyal Wingman of the future, with a top speed of Mach 7 and a range of 8,000 km.
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