China has agreed to export its CH-5 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that can be used for both reconnaissance and ground attack missions. It claims this drone is superior to the General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper, generally considered the best combat drone in the world.

The CH-5 "can perform whatever operations the MQ-9 Reaper can, and is even better than the U.S. vehicle when it comes to flight duration and operational efficiency," claims Shi Wen, chief designer of the Caihong, or Rainbow series of UAVs designed by the China Academy of Aerospace Aerodynamics in Beijing.

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The China Academy of Aerospace Aerodynamics (part of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation) is China's largest military drone exporter in number of products sold overseas. Its CH-series drones have been sold to military users in over 10 countries.

"Another advantage is that the CH-5 is capable of making a joint strike together with its predecessors, the CH-3 and CH-4, because they can share the same data link and control system. Therefore, it is very easy for current users of the CH-3 and CH-4 to introduce and integrate the CH-5 into their drone network."

The CH-5 can carry an airborne early warning system to act as a platform for regional surveillance, and battlefield command and control. It also can carry electronic warfare instruments to collect electronic intelligence and to jam enemy communications or radars.

The CH-5 made its first flight in August 2015, becoming the best military drone in China in terms of operational endurance and payload.

The drone is made of composite materials and has a wingspan of 21 meters. Twice as big as its predecessors in the CH family, the drone can stay aloft for 60 hours and operate at an altitude of up to 10 km.

Its current maximum range is 6,500 km but a future upgrade will enable it to fly as far as 10,000 km.

The CH-5 can carry 1,000 kg of equipment and weapons. It can mount 16 air-to-surface missiles, a number that can be increased to 24 missiles in a single sortie.

Shi said designers plan to develop a CH-5 capable of missions lasting up to 120 hours and flying 20,000 km.

The China Academy of Aerospace Aerodynamics is willing to transfer technologies to users, an attraction Western suppliers don't offer.

TagsCH-5 series, unmanned aerial vehicle, General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper, china, Shi Wen, China Academy of Aerospace Aerodynamics