China successfully tests new stealth drone 'Sharp Sword'

Originally published on November 26, 2013

China has successfully tested its first stealth combat drone, known as Lijian or 'Sharp Sword' on Thursday (November 21).

It was reported that the test flight lasted for 20 minutes and was carried out in a testing base in southwestern China.

The Lijian reportedly has a wingspan of 14 meters, smaller than the U.S. Navy's X-47B, which has a wingspan of 19 meters. It is powered by a single jet engine, presumed to be the Shengyang WP7 based on the design of turbojet engine Tumansky R-11. It is estimated that the Lijian's ordinance payload might not exceed 2,000 kg. The Chinese CM-506 small-diameter bomb, which has a range of 130 km against land or maritime targets, is said to have been recommended for the Lijian.

The drone is also said to be similar to the X-47B drone being tested by the US Navy as well as France's experimental Neuron project.

China has been developing stealth aircraft in recent years, including J-20 and J-31 stealth fighter jets.

--------------------------------------------------------

TomoNews is your daily source for top animated news. We've combined animation and video footage with a snarky personality to bring you the biggest and best stories from around the world.

For news that's fun and never boring, visit our channel:
https://www.youtube.com/user/TomoNewsUS

Subscribe to stay updated on all the top stories:
http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=TomoNewsUS

Stay connected with us here:
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/TomoNewsUS
Twitter @tomonewsus http://www.twitter.com/TomoNewsUS
Google+ http://gplus.to/TomoNewsUS