The China Helicopter Research and Development Institute (CHRDI) arm of China Aerospace Industry Corporation (AVIC) has completed the maiden flight of its new vertical take-off and landing unmanned aerial vehicle (VTOL UAV), which will serve in the People’s Liberation Army Army (PLA) ) Navy surface ships such as aircraft carriers.
AVIC said in an Aug. 10 announcement that the latest development milestone for its rotor AR-500CJ occurred on July 28 at its Poyang proving ground in southeastern Jiangxi province. The company won a tender to develop drones for the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) in September 2016, but did not disclose further details of its proposed design at the time.
AR-500CJ is an upgraded version of AR-500B light carrier UAV and AR500C high-altitude UAV developed by CHRDI. AVIC claims that the latest model has been “completely improved” compared to earlier models, both of which made their respective maiden flights in 2020.
A key differentiator for the AR-500CJ is its heavy oil engine (HFE)-based propulsion system, developed by Anhui-based Haery Power in Wuhu. Haery Power announced on the same day that it had offered its 150-horsepower-class turbocharged four-stroke Lark HFE powerplant.
According to company specifications, the Lark HFE is a liquid-cooled engine with a dry weight of 98kg, including full authority digital electronic control (FADEC), high pressure common rail (HPCR) fuel system and an average time before overhaul of 2,000 hours.
HFE propulsion systems can use kerosene-based fuels that have a higher flash point than regular aviation gasoline, a desirable attribute that increases shipboard safety by reducing the likelihood of fire.
In addition to the HFE propulsion system, the AR-500CJ also features a slightly updated airframe design with added air intakes and a stronger tail boom. During the test flight, the ability of the prototype aircraft to take off, hover, initiate forward flight, maneuver and land was evaluated. Its ability to recover from simulated engine failure was also evaluated.
AVIC said that the first flight marked the end of the AR-500CJ project design and prototyping stage, and officially entered the test flight stage. The company added that the vehicle will be used for further trials at various locations by 2023.
The earlier AR500C featured a lightweight carbon fiber reinforced polymer airframe, more powerful engines and a new three-blade main rotor, capable of reaching a service ceiling of 6,700 m when deployed from terrain at an altitude of 5,000 m. AVIC also claims that the aircraft can operate for up to five hours and can reach a top speed of 170 kilometers per hour.
By comparison, the AR-500B has a maximum takeoff weight of 500kg, including the 70kg store. The control radius and endurance time are 100 kilometers, and it can run for up to 4 hours. The aircraft can reach the specified cruising speed and maximum horizontal flight speed, which are 120 km/h and 140 km/h respectively, and the service ceiling is 4,000 meters.
CHRDI said earlier that the AR-500B has been optimised to meet the challenges of onboard operations and features electronic hardening to mitigate electromagnetic interference from onboard equipment, as well as extensive anti-corrosion treatments for key components. It is also equipped with automatic landing and take-off capabilities.
by Jr Ng
