China’s military is ready to fly the world’s first unmanned aerial “mothership”, which can unleash a swarm of armed drones, according to state media.
But some Western experts have dismissed claims about the massive Jiu Tian drone, unveiled at a major Chinese air show last November, as propaganda, the US magazine Newsweek reports.
China has invested substantially in building a fleet of drones in a bid to achieve air superiority over the Indo-Pacific region for potential conflict, such as over the independent island of Taiwan, long claimed by Beijing.
The Jiu Tian drone stands out from others because it has the ability to launch 100 smaller unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from its fuselage mid-flight.
Chinese officials say it will soon make its first test flight.
In a computer-generated video shown as part of a broadcast by Chinese Central Television last Saturday, they were shown spilling out.
Their communications and mission can also be relayed by the drone carrier, enabling them to extend their flight range.
In addition to the drones, it can be armed with air-to-air, anti-ship and air-to-ground missiles, as well as 1000kg guided bombs.
Powered by a turbofan engine, the Jiu Tian has a range of 7000km and a maximum flying height of 15km.
But some observers point to the aircraft’s vast size as a vulnerability, making it an easy target for missile defences.
Its maximum ceiling height would also bring it within range of modern air defence systems, such as the US Patriot rockets.
US military aviation expert Tom Shugart, of Archer Strategic Consulting, says the drone carrier was an interesting concept but has drawbacks.
“I imagine in a high-end fight it could be subject to destruction by enemy aircraft or air defences before it got close enough to release those drones,” he said.
“Definitely worth keeping an eye on its development, though.”
