CASC/CAAA's widely-exported armed MALE drone, comparable to the US MQ-1 Predator, used for ISR and precision strike. Predecessor/smaller sibling of the CH-5.
| Country | China |
|---|---|
| Subcategory | Fixed-wing |
| Subtype | MALE UCAV |
| Role | Strike/ISR |
| Class | MALE |
| Classification | UCAV |
| Mission | ISR, strike |
| Variants | CH-4A, CH-4B |
| MTOW (kg) | 1330 |
| Operators | China, Iraq, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, UAE |
| Frame type | Fixed-wing |
| Length (m) | 8.5 |
| Propulsion | Piston |
| Range (km) | 5000 |
| Wingspan (m) | 18 |
| Combat-proven | Yes |
| Export status | Widely exported |
| Launch method | Runway takeoff |
| Autonomy level | Semi-autonomous |
| Endurance (min) | 1800 |
| Recovery method | Runway landing |
| Year introduced | 2014 |
| Max payload (kg) | 345 |
| Standard sensors | EO/IR; SAR |
| Production status | In production |
| Notable engagements | Iraqi strikes against ISIS; Saudi/UAE use against Houthis in Yemen |
| Service ceiling (m) | 7000 |
| Conflicts deployed in | Iraq (anti-ISIS); Yemen |
| Airframe / lift type | Fixed-wing |
| Control / autonomy level | Semi-autonomous (human-on-the-loop) |
| Domain | Aerial (UAV/UAS) |
| Mission / use case – military | Armed UCAV, ISR |
| Origin / supply chain | Military-grade |
| Propulsion | ICE – petrol |
| Range / endurance | Long endurance (>24 hrs) |
| Signature / detectability | RCS – large |
| Strike depth / operational role | Recon-strike complex (ISR + strike paired, e.g. Mavic + FPV, Orlan + Lancet) |
| Threat vector | Surveillance / reconnaissance |
| Weight / class | Class III – Strike / Combat (>600 kg), FAA >25 kg (Part 137 / waiver) |