The Chinese-developed armed reconnaissance drone WJ-700 Falcon has successfully completed its first flight test.
Produced under the main contractor of Haiying General Aviation Equipment (Hiwing), the UAV is aimed at reconnaissance, surveillance and early warning, as well as electronic warfare missions. The platform was first revealed in 2018.
The maximum take-off weight of the WJ-700 is 3,500 kg and can stay in the air for up to 20 hours. While there is no specific explanation of the characteristics of the drone; It is believed that China can use the Falcon jointly with combat aircraft with AI control.
According to Chinese media reports, the WJ-700 is designed for local and international markets and is expected to launch the drone in the next five to 10 years.
211216-N-QI061-1222 NAVAL STATION MAYPORT, Fla. (December 16, 2021) An MQ-4C Triton Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), assigned to Unmanned Patrol Squadron 19 (VUP-19), sits on the flight line at Naval Station Mayport, Florida, Dec. 16, 2021. VUP-19, the Navy’s first Triton squadron, will continue to maintain and operate the aircraft off the East Coast to further develop the concept of operations and refine tactics, techniques, and procedures. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nathan T. Beard/ Released)