AVIC Unveils Advanced Drone Technology at Paris Air Show

The Aviation Industry Corp of China (AVIC), a leading aircraft manufacturer, is presenting a selection of advanced unmanned combat aircraft at the 55th Paris Air Show. The event, which commenced on Monday in Paris, features several armed drones developed by AVIC.

Among the displayed aircraft are the Wing Loong 1G and Wing Loong 2D. The Wing Loong X and Wing Loong 6, the newest additions to AVIC's drone portfolio, are making their debut at the Paris show.

The Wing Loong X, a heavy-duty, long-range unmanned aircraft, measures 12.2 meters in length with a 24-meter wingspan. It is equipped with various sensors, radar, and communication systems for surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat missions. AVIC states that the Wing Loong X surpasses earlier models in the Wing Loong family in terms of flight range, payload capacity, multitasking capabilities, and operational reliability. It can autonomously take off, land, and patrol, and is designed to withstand strong electromagnetic interference.

The Wing Loong 6 is designed to meet the global demand for cost-effective combat drone platforms. It is capable of long-endurance flights and can perform missions such as reconnaissance, fire support, target designation, precision strikes, and post-strike assessments. The drone can also be adapted for other mission types. The aircraft is 7.45 meters long with a 13-meter wingspan, a maximum takeoff weight of 900 kilograms, and a payload capacity of up to 200 kg. It can reach speeds of up to 280 kilometers per hour and has a flight ceiling of 8.5 km.

According to Zhu Qian, a senior AVIC executive, the Wing Loong series are highly regarded in the global defense market. He noted their strong performance in real combat situations, which has informed the development of new drones. The Wing Loong drones are popular internationally and are expected to continue attracting clients due to their performance, service record, and alignment with the trend of unmanned warfare.

Du Wenlong, a retired researcher, highlighted that the Wing Loong X is currently the only drone capable of detecting, tracking, and attacking submarines. He emphasized the advantage of unmanned aircraft in terms of endurance over suspected submarine zones, enabling the formation of an aerial network for monitoring and deterring undersea threats. This provides an edge in both efficiency and persistent coverage.