Guizhou WZ-7 Soaring Dragon

The Guizhou WZ-7 Xiáng Lóng (Soaring Dragon) (Chinese: 无侦-7 翔龙) is a high-altitude long endurance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) from the People’s Republic of China. The aircraft features a unique joined-wing design.
The primary mission is expected to be aerial reconnaissance, but it may also be fitted to provide targeting data for anti-ship ballistic missiles and cruise missiles.

Development #

The WZ-7 was designed by the Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group and constructed by the Guizhou Aircraft Industry Corporation. A model appeared at the 2006 China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition. The first flight has not occurred as of 2011. The drone conducted radar cross-section testing. The WZ-7 entered serial production in 2015 to 2016. A complete redesign of WZ-7 was observed in 2020 with the Chinese Air Force roundel. The redesign featured V-tails, a different engine nozzle with the WS-13 turbofan engine, and changes to the ventral fin and the sail structure. The WZ-7 UAV was officially unveiled by the military at the Zhuhai Airshow in 2021. It was displayed again in 2022.

Design #

Larger than most UAVs, the WZ-7 features a tandem, joined-wing design, which allows for a more rigid, less flexible wing than other configurations, with benefits said to include an increased lift-to-drag ratio and less complex flight controls than a HALE UAV with a conventional wing. The air intake for the engine is mounted atop the fuselage, with the engine itself mounted in the rear of the aircraft. The prototype aircraft is powered by a Guizhou WP-13 turbojet engine, a copy of the Soviet Tumansky R-13; it is anticipated that an improved engine will be installed in production aircraft.
The operational WZ-7 has a significantly modified shape. The single vertical tail on the prototype was changed to a pair of canted tails. A turbofan engine was installed on the production model. Due to the different engine and aerodynamics, the endurance of the production model is unknown. It is speculated to be longer than the 10 hours advertised for the prototype.

Operational history #

The WZ-7 entered service with the People’s Liberation Army Air Force in 2018 and a number were deployed to the Tibet Autonomous Region, Hainan Island, and Yishuntun Airbase near North Korea.
On 24 July 2019, a WZ-7 shadowed the American Ticonderoga-class cruiser USS Antietam as she transited the Taiwan Strait.
On 15 December 2022, it was reported that China has allegedly deployed WZ-7 UAVs near Indian border in Tibet.

Operators #

 People’s Republic of China

• People’s Liberation Army Air Force: 12 units as of 2022
• People’s Liberation Army Naval Air Force: 8 units as of 2018

Specifications (Soaring Dragon prototype) #

Artist’s impression of the WZ-7 prototype
Data from AirForces MonthlyGeneral characteristics

• Crew: None
• Length: 14.33 m (47 ft 0 in)
• Wingspan: 24.86 m (81 ft 7 in)
• Height: 5.41 m (17 ft 9 in)
• Powerplant: 1 × Guizhou WP-13 turbojet or unknown type of turbofan, 43.1 kN (9,700 lbf) thrust

Performance

• Cruise speed: 750 km/h (466 mph, 405 kn)
• Range: 7,000 km (4,300 mi, 3,800 nmi)
• Combat range: 2,000 km (1,200 mi, 1,100 nmi)
• Endurance: 10 hours (at maximum speed; with turbojet)
• Service ceiling: 18,000 m (59,000 ft)
• Thrust/weight: 5.8

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