China's independently developed Jetank multifunctional unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) No. 04 has completed the body structure assembly and is expected to conduct its maiden flight mission by the end of June.
The UAV was first showcased at the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in 2024, and has been closely followed internationally since.
The Jetank UAV has a length of 16.35 meters and a wingspan of 25 meters. Its maximum takeoff weight reaches 16 tonnes, with a maximum load of 6 tons. Using a turbofan engine as its power system, the drone can reach a maximum flight altitude of 15,000 meters, with a highest flight speed of 700 kilometers per hour.
The UAV also has excellent endurance, with a maximum range of 7,000 kilometers, and is capable of flying continuously for more than 12 hours.
The Jetank UAV is also eye-catching for its mounting capacity. With eight hardpoints, it can carry 1,000-kilogram guided bombs, air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground missiles, anti-ship missiles and cruise missiles.
Experts said that diversified mounting capabilities can provide support for the UAV from both offensive and defensive ends.
"I think more importantly, if the UAV is equipped with an advanced electronic warfare pod, it can suppress and interfere with the enemy's radar, thus improving its own survivability. If it can be equipped with a directional infrared jamming system to interfere with the enemy's infrared guided missiles through laser beams, it can greatly improve its survivability as well. Therefore, its high mounting capacity can be used for diversified weapons. It can not only improve its penetration and strike capability, but also improve its own survivability," said Zhang Xuefeng, a military expert.
The UAV adopts an open architecture and is equipped with a quickly replaceable mission cabin. By replacing different modular mission payloads, it can quickly switch mission types within two hours to meet the mission requirements including air transport and airdrop, information support and confrontation, firepower strike and support. It can be used in military and civilian fields such as system operations, transportation support, and emergency rescue.
Another highlight of Jetank is the isomerism hive module in its belly, where various of loads can be installed such as hundreds of cruise missiles or small UAVs.
Multifunctional UAV Jetank to conduct maiden flight in June
