Wing Loong II
Specifications
| Designation | Wing Loong II |
| Also Known As | Chengdu WZ-7, WZ-7 |
| Type | Medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) |
| Manufacturer | AVIC/Chengdu |
| Operators | China; United Arab Emirates; Saudi Arabia; Egypt; Pakistan; Kazakhstan; Serbia |
| Length | 8.5 m |
| Diameter | 3.8 m |
| Weight | 1200 kg |
| Wingspan | 14.5 m |
| Range | 4000 km |
| Speed | Mach 0.8+ (370 km/h) |
| Max Altitude | 10 km |
| Endurance | 30 hours |
| Guidance | Satellite link + laser designator + GPS |
| Warhead | Up to 480 kg (Blue Arrow-7 ATGMs, LS-6 GPS bombs, YZ-212 laser-guided bombs) |
| Propulsion | Turboprop engine |
| First Tested | 2014 |
| First Deployed | 2017 |
| Unit Cost | $1-2 million |
Overview
The Wing Loong II is a Chinese-made medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) designed for reconnaissance, surveillance, and combat missions. It has been exported to several countries and has seen combat in Libya and Yemen.
Development History
The Wing Loong II was developed by AVIC/Chengdu as a successor to the Wing Loong I. The first prototype was tested in 2014, and the system was first deployed in 2017. The Wing Loong II has undergone several upgrades, including the addition of a new turboprop engine and improved avionics.
Technical Deep Dive
The Wing Loong II is powered by a turboprop engine, which provides a top speed of Mach 0.8+ (370 km/h). The system has a range of 4000 km and can stay airborne for up to 30 hours. The Wing Loong II is equipped with a satellite link, laser designator, and GPS for guidance. It can carry up to 480 kg of payload, including Blue Arrow-7 ATGMs, LS-6 GPS bombs, and YZ-212 laser-guided bombs.
Combat Record
Tactical Role
The Wing Loong II is used for reconnaissance, surveillance, and combat missions. It can be used for ground attack, air defense, and electronic warfare.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Variants
| Variant | Differences | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Wing Loong II-ER | Extended range and endurance capabilities. | Operational |
| Wing Loong II-A | Advanced avionics and sensors. | Development |
Countermeasures
Adversaries can counter the Wing Loong II by using electronic warfare capabilities to jam its communications link, or by using surface-to-air missiles to shoot it down.
Analysis
Conflict Impact
The Wing Loong II has had a significant impact on the conflict in Libya and Yemen, providing reconnaissance, surveillance, and combat capabilities to its operators.
Future Outlook
The Wing Loong II is likely to continue playing a significant role in future conflicts, with its advanced capabilities and low cost making it an attractive option for operators.
Analyst Assessment
The Wing Loong II is a capable and versatile unmanned combat aerial vehicle that has proven itself in combat. Its advanced capabilities and low cost make it a significant player in the global drone market.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Wing Loong II?
The Wing Loong II is a Chinese-made medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) designed for reconnaissance, surveillance, and combat missions.
What is the combat record of the Wing Loong II?
The Wing Loong II has seen combat in Libya and Yemen, with reported use by the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
What are the strengths and weaknesses of the Wing Loong II?
The Wing Loong II has extensive combat record, no export restrictions, and lower cost than Western and Turkish alternatives. However, it has performance below MQ-9 and Akıncı, communications link vulnerable to jamming, and spare parts and support chain less mature than Western drones.
What are the variants of the Wing Loong II?
The Wing Loong II has two variants: the Wing Loong II-ER, which has extended range and endurance capabilities, and the Wing Loong II-A, which has advanced avionics and sensors.
How does the Wing Loong II compare to other drones?
The Wing Loong II has advanced capabilities and low cost, making it a significant player in the global drone market. However, it has performance below MQ-9 and Akıncı, and its communications link is vulnerable to jamming.