Large jet-powered Chinese HALE UAV (designated WZ-9) with a twin-fuselage joined/canard layout carrying multiple AESA radars for counter-stealth early warning. Wingspan estimated 40-50 m, ceiling ~25 km.
| Country | China |
|---|---|
| Subcategory | Fixed-wing |
| Subtype | HALE anti-stealth / AEW UAV |
| Role | Counter-stealth ISR / AEW |
| Class | HALE UAV |
| Classification | HALE ISR/AEW UAV |
| Mission | ISR, airborne early warning, anti-stealth detection, maritime surveillance |
| Datalink | SATCOM / line-of-sight |
| Variants | WZ-9 Divine Eagle (Shendiao) |
| Operators | China (PLA) |
| Frame type | Fixed-wing |
| Length (m) | 16 |
| Propulsion | 1x turbojet/turbofan |
| Wingspan (m) | 45 |
| Combat-proven | No |
| Export status | Not exported |
| Launch method | runway |
| Autonomy level | Remotely piloted / autonomous |
| Recovery method | runway |
| Year introduced | 2015 |
| Max speed (km/h) | 980 |
| Standard sensors | multiple AESA radars (up to seven), SATCOM |
| Production status | Development / limited |
| Service ceiling (m) | 25000 |
| Airframe / lift type | Fixed-wing |
| Control / autonomy level | RC line-of-sight – BVLOS, Semi-autonomous (human-on-the-loop) |
| Domain | Aerial (UAV/UAS) |
| Mission / use case – military | ISR |
| Origin / supply chain | Military-grade |
| Propulsion | Turbine / jet |
| Signature / detectability | RF-emitting |
| Speed regime | High-speed / jet (>400 km/h) |
| Threat vector | Surveillance / reconnaissance |
| Weight / class | Class III – HALE (>600 kg) |