The Feihong FH-97 is a prototype unmanned combat aerial vehicle with stealth capabilities. It was developed as a "loyal wingman" drone, designed to suppress air defenses with electronic countermeasures, fly ahead of aircraft to provide early warning, and absorb damage from attacks, as well as providing reconnaissance and damage evaluation.[1] The FH-97 can also deploy the FH-901 to strike maneuvering targets.[2] It was developed by the Aerospace Times Feihong Technology Corporation under the Ninth Academy of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, a Chinese state-owned defense and aerospace manufacturer. The FH-97 was first unveiled to the public in 2021 at the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition (Airshow China) in Zhuhai, China.[3]
| Feihong FH-97 | |
|---|---|
| Role | Unmanned combat aerial vehicle "loyal wingman" |
| National origin | China |
| Manufacturer | Aerospace Times Feihong Technology Corporation |
| Produced | 2021 |
| Developed into | Feihong FH-97A |
Specifications
editThe exact specifications for the Feihong FH-97 are unknown. American media has claimed Feihong copied the American XQ-58 Valkyrie despite dissimilarities in size and platform.[4]
References
edit- ^ Kirton, David (2021-09-29). "China unveils 'loyal wingman' armed drone concept". Reuters. Retrieved 2023-02-08.
- ^ "FH-97 loyal wingman concept unveiled at Airshow China 2021". www.airrecognition.com. Retrieved 2023-02-08.
- ^ "China reveals drone concept similar to US-made Kratos XQ-58A Valkyrie". ARY NEWS. 2021-09-29. Retrieved 2023-02-08.
- ^ Rogoway, Thomas Newdick and Tyler (2021-09-29). "China Is Cloning Kratos' XQ-58A Valkyrie Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle Concept (Updated)". The Drive. Retrieved 2023-02-08.