The CH-901, also known as the FH-901, is a type of loitering munition developed by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), unveiled in 2016, part of the Rainbow series.

Launch platform

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.

In 2020, China unveiled a Dongfeng Mengshi truck fitted with 48 launch tubes for CH-901 loitering munitions.

The CH-901 can also be launched from the new FH-97 loyal wingman drone, which was unveiled at Airshow China in 2021.

Design

The CH-901 can be prepared and launched from its tube in 3 minutes. 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 100–150 m (330–490 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 (7.7 lb) 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.

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)

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