The Chengdu Wing Loong-3 () is a Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial combat vehicle (UCAV), developed by the Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group in the People's Republic of China. Intended for use as a multi-purpose platform, including anti-air, anti-submarine warfare (ASW), ground strike, maritime strike, search and rescue, and surveillance and aerial reconnaissance capabilities which can fly a maximum range of 10,000 km at medium altitude with a maximum take-off weight of 6,200 kg. Wing Loong-3 is by far the largest and first air-to-air capable model of the Wing Loong family
Design and development The prototype of the Wing Loong-3 was unveiled for the first time to the public during the Airshow China exhibition, held in Zhuhai from 8–11 November 2022.
The design of the Wing Loong 3 is similar to the Wing Loong 2 consisting of a monoplane slender fuselage and empennage with a prominent V-tail and ventral fin. The landing gear consists of two main wheels under the fuselage and one single wheel under the nose. The electro-optical payload pod, fitted under the forward section of the fuselage, is integrated with daylight and infrared cameras and sensors to collect surveillance and targeting data in both day and low-light / night conditions.
Specifications Data from ,
General characteristics
Crew: None (UAV) Length: 12.2 m Wingspan: 24 m Maximum take-off weight: 6,200 kg
Performance
Range: ≥10,000 km Payload: 2,000 kg (external hardpoints) + 300 kg (internal bay) Endurance: ≥40 hours
Armament
PL-10E air-to-air missile BA-7 anti-tank missile AG-300/M air-to-ground missiles Anti-submarine sonobuoy launcher
See also
References