Wing Loong 1

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Wing Loong 1, is a Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), developed by the Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group in the People’s Republic of China. Intended for use as a surveillance and aerial reconnaissance platform, the Pterodactyl I is capable of being fitted with air-to-surface weapons for use in an unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) role.

Design and development #

Designed and developed by the Chengdu Aircraft Design Institute (CADI), a division of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC),[2][3] the Pterodactyl I bears a distinct similarity in appearance to the Predator/Reaper family of drones developed by the United States.[3][4] The drone is capable of being fitted with a variety of sensors, including a forward looking infrared turret and synthetic aperture radar.[2] In addition, the aircraft is capable of carrying weapons.[4] The Pterodactyl I’s total payload capacity for sensors and weapons is 200 kilograms (440 lb).

Variants #

Chinese military version #

WJ-1 #

The armed version of Pterodactyl I, which is a weapon platform without the reconnaissance/targeting pod under the chin. The designation WJ stands for Wu-Zhuang Wu-Ren-Ji (武装无人机), meaning armed UAV. WJ-1 UAV made its public debut in November 2014 at the 10th Zhuhai Airshow along with its cousin GJ-1.

GJ-1 #

Another armed version of Pterodactyl I that combines the capabilities of both Pterodactyl I and WJ-1 so that it can identify and engage targets on its own. GJ-1 can be distinguished from both Pterodactyl I and WJ-1 in that GJ-1 has both the reconnaissance/targeting pod under the chin as well as hardpoints to carry weapons. The designation GJ stands for Gong-Ji Wu-Ren-Ji (攻击无人机), meaning “attack UAV.” GJ-1 UAV made its public debut in November 2014 at the 10th Zhuhai Airshow along with its cousin WJ-1.

Export version #

Pterosaur I #

First member of Wing Loong series, with program of Wing Loong begun in May 2005. Maiden flight was completed in October 2007 and payload evaluation flight was completed a year later in October 2008.[47] This first model of Wing Loong series lacked the bulge at the nose tip of the fuselage due to the lack of a satellite antenna,[47] and while the English name used by the developer differed from later models, the Chinese name remains the same, and so is the name Wing Loong for the entire series.[48][49][50][47][51] The lack of satellite antenna results in cheaper cost, with the reduction of the maximum control range around to 200 km.[52] This model is no longer actively marketed when Pterodactyl I appeared, but is still available as a cheaper alternative up on potential customers’ request.

Pterodactyl I #

The second member of the Wing Loong series is distinguished from the earlier Pterosaur I in that there is a bulge at the nose tip of the fuselage to house a satellite antenna, and this is the version most widely publicized and actively marketed as a surveillance platform. United Arab Emirates and Uzbekistan were reported to be the first two foreign customers of Pterodactyl I.[53]

Sky Saker #

Sky Saker is a derivative of Wing Loong developed by Norinco mainly intended for export. The Chinese name is Rui Ying (锐鹰), meaning Sharp Eagle, but the English name adopted by the developer is Sky Saker. Sky Saker / Rui Ying carries both a miniature synthetic aperture radar and an electro-optical pod to perform reconnaissance in both the visible light and radar spectra.[54] The capability of Sky Saker / Rui Ying has been exaggerated by many Chinese internet sources claiming that it has both scout and strike capabilities at the same time, but this has been proven to the contrary. According to all info released by Norinco itself (as of 2015), the UAV can employ only a single capability at a time: when the UAV carries the reconnaissance payload, no weaponry is carried. Similarly, when weaponry is carried, the reconnaissance payload is absent.[54]

Wing Loong ID #

Upgraded variant of the Wing Loong I, with improved aerodynamics and engine enabling greater takeoff weight, service ceiling, and endurance. Other upgrades include both internal and external stores, as well as communications equipment. The variant launched in 2018 with Egypt being the first buyer of 32 systems.[55][56][57] The variant achieved its first flight on 23 December 2018.[58]

Wing Loong 1E #

Maiden flight in 20 January 2022.[59] The new drone features larger carrying capacity than previous models.

Specifications #

General characteristics #

Length: 9.05 m (29 ft 8 in)
Wingspan: 14 m (45 ft 11 in)
Height: 2.77 m (9 ft 1 in)
Gross weight: 1,100 kg (2,425 lb)
Powerplant: 1 × Rotax 914 turbocharged, 75 kW (100 shp)
Propellers: 3-bladed