CASC CH-901

The CASC CH-901 is a loitering munition developed by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) in 2016. The drone can be deployed in several ways; it can be carried by soldiers in the field and launched out of a tube, as well as from vehicles, aircraft, and UCAVs. In 2020 China unveiled a truck fitted with 48 launch tubes for CH-901 loitering munitions.

The CH-901 can also be launched from the new FH-97 loyal wingman drone unveiled at Airshow China in 2021.

Operation

The CH-901 can be readied and launched from its tube in 3 minutes. The drone then dashes to its target area at 180 km/h (110 mph), where it flies around for up to 60 minutes, at 100 km/h (62 mph) and at an altitude of 100 m (330 ft) to 150 m (490 ft). Once a target is located using the drones electro-optical guidance, it dives onto its target at 288 km/h (179 mph) and detonates its warhead. The CH-901 can carry a 3.5 kg (7.5 lbs) high explosive warhead, a fragmentation charge, a shaped charge for penetrating armor, or a camera for reconnaissance. The drones can also be launched in waves to swarm and overwhelm enemies.

Specifications

Data from

General characteristics

• Length: 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in)
• Gross weight: 9 kg (19.8 lb)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 288 km/h (179 mph, 156 kn) when diving
• Cruise speed: 180 km/h (110 mph, 97 kn) cruising to target
• Range: 15 km (9.3 mi, 8.1 nmi)
• Endurance: 60 minutes
• Service ceiling: 150 m (490 ft)

References

External links

1. CASC Rainbow
2. List of unmanned aerial vehicles of China