CASC CH-901

The CASC CH-901 is a loitering munition developed by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) in 2016. The drone can be deployed in several ways; it can be carried by soldiers in the field and launched out of a tube, as well as from vehicles, aircraft, and UCAVs.[1] In 2020 China unveiled a truck fitted with 48 launch tubes for CH-901 loitering munitions.

CASC CH-901
FH-901 loitering munition
Typeloitering munition
Place of originChina
Production history
ManufacturerChina Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation
Produced2016 - present
VariantsCASC CH-901A, Feihong FH-901

The CH-901 can also be launched from the new FH-97 loyal wingman drone unveiled at Airshow China in 2021.[2]

External video
video icon Footage of CH-901 on YouTube

Operation

The CH-901 can be readied and launched from its tube in 3 minutes.[3] The drone then dashes to its target area at 180 km/h (110 mph), where it flies around for up to 60 minutes, at 100 km/h (62 mph) and at an altitude of 100 m (330 ft) to 150 m (490 ft). Once a target is located using the drones electro-optical guidance, it dives onto its target at 288 km/h (179 mph) and detonates its warhead. The CH-901 can carry a 3.5 kg (7.5 lbs) high explosive warhead, a fragmentation charge, a shaped charge for penetrating armor, or a camera for reconnaissance. The drones can also be launched in waves to swarm and overwhelm enemies.[4]

Specifications

Data from

General characteristics

  • Length: 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in)
  • Gross weight: 9 kg (19.8 lb)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 288 km/h (179 mph, 156 kn) when diving
  • Cruise speed: 180 km/h (110 mph, 97 kn) cruising to target
  • Range: 15 km (9.3 mi, 8.1 nmi)
  • Endurance: 60 minutes
  • Service ceiling: 150 m (490 ft)

References
  1. "China's Mini-Drone Packs a Heavyweight Punch". Popular Mechanics. 2016-05-05. Retrieved 2023-02-08.
  2. "FH-97 loyal wingman concept unveiled at Airshow China 2021". www.airrecognition.com. Retrieved 2023-02-08.
  3. "China defense industry presents CH-901 suicide drone at SOFEX 2018 | SOFEX 2018 Official Online Show Daily News | Defence security military exhibition 2018 daily news category". armyrecognition.com. Retrieved 2023-02-08.
  4. Eshel, Tamir (2022-08-29). "A New Chinese Loitering Weapon Appears in Thailand". Defense Update. Retrieved 2023-02-08.
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