Hongdu GJ-11

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Hongdu GJ-11

The Hongdu GJ-11 Sharp Sword (Chinese: 攻击-11 利剑; pinyin: gongji-11 lì jiàn) is an unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) developed in the People's Republic of China for the People's Liberation Army. It was designed by Shenyang Aircraft Design Institute (SYADI) and Hongdu Aviation Industry Group (HAIG) and is part of seven proposed models by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) program called "AVIC 601-S".[3][4][5] The GJ-11 can perform precision strike and aerial reconnaissance missions.[4][6]

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GJ-11 at Airshow China Zhuhai 2021
Quick Facts GJ-11 Sharp Sword, Role ...
GJ-11 Sharp Sword
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Mock-up of GJ-11 displayed at Airshow China in 2021
Role Unmanned combat aerial vehicle
National origin People's Republic of China
Manufacturer Hongdu Aviation Industry Group
Designer Shenyang Aircraft Design Institute
Hongdu Aviation Industry Group
Aviation Industry Corporation of China
First flight November 2013
Status In testing and evaluation[1]

Serial production planned for 2022[2]

Primary user People's Liberation Army Air Force
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Design

The GJ-11 is a tailless flying wing[4] with two internal weapons bays.[7][4] Stealth features include the shaping of the rear airframe around the engine exhaust[6] and serrated weapon bay doors.[7] The aircraft is powered by a single turbofan engine of unknown type, and the overall wingspan is 14 meters.[8]

Development

Early versions were less stealthy with an exposed engine nozzle.[9]

Images of the aircraft's 20 minute long maiden flight appeared on the internet on November 21st 2013, where the "Sharp Sword" took off from HAIG airfield.[10][5]

In October 2021, AVIC showcased the GJ-11 at Airshow China. The drone is reportedly capable of taking off autonomously from Type 076 amphibious assault ships. The stealthy drone could deploy swarming air-launched decoys or electronic warfare systems, in addition to launching precision-guided munitions.[11][12]

In October 2022, Chinese media showcased the computer-generated concepts of three GJ-11 being controlled by a two-seat variant of the Chengdu J-20 fighter jet, akin to the Loyal Wingman program of the United States.[13]

Specifications

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Chinese UCAV Sharp Sword (approximate appearance)

General characteristics

  • Crew: None
  • Length: 12.2[7] m (40 ft 0 in)
  • Wingspan: 14.4[7] m (47 ft 3 in)
  • Height: 2.7[7] m (8 ft 10 in)
  • Powerplant: 1 × unnamed Guizhou-built[14] turbofan

Performance Armament

  • Internal weapons bays:
    • Up to 2,000 kilograms (4,400 lb) payload[4]
    • Bombs[7]

References

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