Neha Patil (Editor)

Guizhou WZ 2000

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Top speed
  
800 km/h

Length
  
7.5 m

Wingspan
  
9.8 m

First flight
  
December 26, 2003

Guizhou WZ-2000 imageschinacnattachementjpgsite100720140114

Manufacturer
  
Guizhou Aircraft Industry Corporation

The Guizhou WZ-2000, also known as the WuZhen-2000 and previously the WZ-9, is a multi-purpose Unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) developed by Guizhou Aviation Industry Group (GAIC) in the People's Republic of China.

Contents

Design and development

Development on the WZ-2000 began in 1999. A mock up of the WZ-2000 was publicly displayed at the 2000 Zhuhai Airshow, with a more accurate model on display at the 2002 event. First flight was on 26 December 2003, and there is sketchy news that an improved version, possibly designated the WZ-2000B, was due to fly at the end of 2005.

The UAV is powered by a single WS-11 turbofan engine which sits on top of the empennage between the two V-shaped tail fins. The fins are canted at approximately 40°. The sensor package includes thermal imaging camera, synthetic aperture radar, with images transmitted via a satellite communications antenna in the nose bulge.

Specifications

General characteristics

  • Capacity: 80 kg (176 lb) payload
  • Length: 7.5 m (24 ft 7 in)
  • Wingspan: 9.8 m (32 ft 2 in)
  • Max takeoff weight: 1,700 kg (3,748 lb)
  • Powerplant: 1 × WS-11 turbofan, 16.9 kN (3,800 lbf) thrust

    • Performance

  • Maximum speed: 800 km/h (497 mph; 432 kn)
  • Range: 2,400 km (1,491 mi; 1,296 nmi)
  • Combat range: 800 km (497 mi; 432 nmi)
  • Endurance: 3 hours
  • Service ceiling: 18,000 m (59,000 ft)

    • Armament

  • At least 2 × KD2 air-to-surface missiles
  • Additional number of ZD1 precision-guided bombs

    • References

    Guizhou WZ-2000 Wikipedia
    (Text) CC BY-SA