| WZ-8 | |
|---|---|
| |
| WZ-8 at the 2022 Zhuhai Airshow | |
| Role | Hypersonic unmanned surveillance and reconnaissance aerial vehicle |
| National origin | People's Republic of China |
| Manufacturer | Aviation Industry Corporation of China |
| Introduction | 1 October 2019 |
| Status | In service |
| Primary user | People's Liberation Army Air Force |
WZ-8 (Chinese: 无侦-8; pinyin: Wú Zhēn-bā; lit. 'unmanned recon-8'), is an unmanned aerial vehicle produced by Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC).[1] Introduced during China's 70th anniversary military parade, the drone is intended to conduct strategic aerial reconnaissance across southeast Asia, particularly Taiwan, South Korea and Japan. Its reconnaissance capabilities reportedly include electro-optical imaging, synthetic-aperture radar, and other sensors. Some have suggested the drone will be weaponized to provide strategic anti-access/area denial capabilities.[2] The drone cannot take off under its own power, instead it is air-launched from a Xi'an H-6M mothership once the H-6 reaches a prescribed speed and altitude.[2]
- ^ "Cloud Shadow Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)". Airforce Technology.
- ^ a b Shepherd, Christian; Chiang, Vic; Wu, Pei-Lin; Nakashima, Ellen (April 18, 2023). "China readies supersonic spy drone unit, leaked document says". The Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2023-04-19.