Mainland China’s Norinco unveils drone that can reach Taiwan and may outperform US rival

Researchers from arms maker say the drone is comparable to the US Switchblade 600, but it may prove cheaper and more efficient

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The propulsion system of the new Chinese drone is tested in a wind tunnel. Photo: Xian Modern Control Technology Research Institute

Published: 11:00pm, 23 Sep 2024Updated: 11:51pm, 23 Sep 2024

China’s largest weapon manufacturer has unveiled a small but ultra-long range “kamikaze” drone that could significantly outperform its main American competitor, according to its performance data.

The electric-powered drone, developed by China North Industries Group Corporation Limited (Norinco), can cruise at a speed of 144km/h (90 miles per hour) for up to 105 minutes, giving it a range of 200km (124 miles).

It can also hover for some time before homing in on a selected target, according to drone specifications published in a peer-reviewed paper in the Journal of Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics last month.

Its main competitor is the US-made Switchblade 600, which has a cruising speed of around 110km/h, a flight time of 40 minutes and a typical combat range of about 40km.

“Loitering munitions … such as the US Switchblade series combine the characteristics of drones and missiles with advantages such as long flight time, wide range of action, flexible use, and diverse penetration styles,” the research team from Norinco’s Xian Modern Control Technology Research Institute wrote.

Both models use a folding two-blade propeller, with the Chinese team saying they had solved some of the inefficiencies this design created and “effectively extended their flight time”.