China Introduces Large Wing Loong III UCAS

SINGAPORE—AVIC’s Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group (CAIG) has unveiled the Wing Loong III (Pterodactyl III) uncrewed combat air system (UCAS) at the Zhuhai Airshow in China.

With a maximum take-off weight of 6,200 kg (13,670 lb.), the prop-powered Wing Loong III is by far the largest of the Wing Loong family of UCAS. According to a fact sheet, Wing Loong III measures 12.2 m (40 ft.) in length with height of 4.3 m and wingspan of 24 m. It has a carrying capacity of 2,000 kg for external payloads and another 300 kg for internal payloads, with endurance of 40 hr. and a range of 10,000 km (5,400 nm).

For comparison, the Wing Loong II has a maximum takeoff weight of 4,200 kg and can host a payload of 480 kg.

The Wing Loong III on display shows the aircraft with nine hardpoints—four on each wing and one centerline—giving it the ability to carry up to 16 anti-tank missiles, jammers or PL-10 short-range, infrared-homing air-to-air missiles. 

China is continuing to showcase its rapid application of uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) at Zhuhai. Also making its debut is the jet-powered WZ-10 reconnaissance UAS. Based on the Wing Loong-10, also known as Cloud Shadow, the civilian variant of the WZ-10 has been inducted for meteorological and typhoon-chasing missions. It is the first time the UAS has been shown with People’s Liberation Army markings.