China successfully tests rocket near the edge of space
Beijing has completed testing of a combat UAV said to be capable of operating for weeks at extremely high altitudes.
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CH-4 drone carrying experimental weapons. Photo:Sina. |
On February 12, the Chinese military completed a six-day test of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) called the CH-4, which included operating at extremely high altitudes and test-firing missiles in complex weather conditions.People's Dailyreport
In its final test, the CH-4 flew for 15 hours at an altitude of 20 km above sea level. Although it is far from the boundary of space at an altitude of 100 km, it is still in the area considered the "edge of space" about 18-100 km above sea level. Beijing said the new CH-4 can reach an altitude of 65 km and operate for weeks at a time using solar energy.
This is also the first time this version of the CH-4 has test-fired weapons. The aircraft can carry a variety of cluster bombs and guided missiles. Deploying firepower from extremely high altitudes faces many challenges, such as extreme weather that can significantly reduce accuracy or the aircraft and weapons being vulnerable to enemy electronic warfare systems.
The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) claims the CH-4 has better basic features than the US MQ-1 Predator. Beijing has been able to produce many types of UAVs at much lower prices than Washington, increasing its export potential to countries with small defense budgets. China's Wing Loong series of UAVs sells for an average of $5 million each, compared to $100 million for similar US-made systems.