It is specifically designed for high-altitude missions over land and sea, and can fire its weapon from up to 5,000 meters. The CH-4 also “has a retractable electro-optical sensor turret, and a datalink back to the ground control station. The CH-4 also boasts a modern, two person control station to fly the drone remotely, with provisions for both line of sight and satellite communications.
There are two versions, the CH-4A and CH-4B. The CH-4A is a reconnaissance drone (capable of a 3500–5000 km range and a 30- to 40-hour endurance) while the CH-4B is a mixed attack and reconnaissance system with provisions for 6 weapons and a payload of up to 250 to 345 kg.
CH-4 is capable of firing air-to-ground missile from altitude of 5,000 meters (~16,400 feet), therefore the aircraft can stay outside of effective range of most anti-aircraft guns. It also allows CH-4 to be able to fire from a position that provides wider viewing area.
Year: 2014
Status: Active, In-Service
Manufacturer(s): China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) - China
Production: 500
Capabilities: Ground Attack; Reconnaissance (RECCE); Unmanned;
Crew: 0
Length: 36.09 ft (11 m)
Width: 65.62 ft (20 m)
Height: 12.47 ft (3.8 m)
Weight (Empty): 3,527 lb (1,600 kg)
Weight (MTOW): 9,921 lb (4,500 kg)
Power: 1 x Conventional engine developing an estimated 900 horsepower and driving three-bladed propelled in pusher arrangement.
Speed: 217 mph (350 kph; 189 kts)
Ceiling: 47,375 feet (14,440 m; 8.97 miles)
Range: 1,709 miles (2,750 km; 1,485 nm)
