China's CH-7 high-altitude long-endurance stealth UAV has successfully completed its first test flight. This uniquely designed UAV highlights China's rapid progress in autonomous long-range strike and high-altitude reconnaissance platforms. The "CH-7" is likely to redefine the rules of regional combat.

The CH-7 successfully made its first flight, a unique UAV

According to CCTV, the CH-7 was first unveiled at the 2018 Zhuhai Airshow, although it was only a full-scale model at that time, mainly to demonstrate the design concept. At the 2022 Zhuhai Airshow, an improved version of the CH-7 model was displayed, which had a longer wingspan and a more mature design compared to the original version. In 2024, the CH-7 prototype was officially unveiled at the Zhuhai Airshow, and in December of this year, the CH-7 UAV successfully completed its first flight.

In fact, the development process of the CH-7 basically follows the standard procedure for the development of many Chinese military aircraft. First, a model is released for verification, then continuous improvements are made. After successful technical verification, the prototype is built for testing, and subsequent improvements may be made based on the test results.

Analysts point out that after the initial flight stability is verified, China's drone programs may proceed to test autonomous navigation, sensor fusion, and ultimately weapon separation tests.

Unlike previous drones, the CH-7's design is eye-catching. It features a rare flying-wing design, which from a distance resembles the U.S. B-2, B-21, and the legendary Chinese H-20. Nicknamed the "Ghost in the Sky," the CH-7 employs a minimalist low-observability design, offering advantages such as long endurance, high altitude, fast cruise speed, and strong mission capabilities.

The Taiwan-based China Times reported: The flying-wing design of the CH-7 undoubtedly highlights its strong stealth performance, and it also comes equipped with electronic countermeasures, aiming to enhance its survival rate in modern warfare while conducting strike missions.

The previously unveiled model was a full-scale one, and the flying-wing design of the UAV is rare

Developing a stealth UAV is not just about making it look "stealthy." It requires solving a series of complex technical issues, including controlling radar reflections, developing and applying special stealth materials, ensuring engine performance stability, and coordinating various systems. This involves the support of the entire military-industrial ecosystem and technological system. The successful maiden flight of the CH-7 is not only a design success but also indicates that China has mastered complex stealth technology and overcome the challenges of system integration.

The Malaysian military website "Asia Security Defense" made the same assessment: The flying-wing design of the CH-7 is actually highly challenging because it lacks traditional vertical and horizontal tail fins, requiring advanced flight control algorithms to maintain flight stability, especially during takeoff, landing, and low-speed maneuvers. Therefore, its successful controlled takeoff, climb, and recovery not only demonstrates China's strong technical capabilities in the drone field but also highlights its mature integration of aerodynamic design, propulsion systems, and information flight control systems. This is a prerequisite for operational stealth unmanned attack aircraft and also reflects strong industrial capabilities.

This successful flight also confirmed that the CH-7 has transitioned from ground system testing to structured flight testing. The latter will gradually expand the CH-7's flight envelope (the range of safe operating conditions for the aircraft under various flight conditions), verify its high-altitude performance, and assess critical subsystems for the mission.

The "Asia Security Defense" military website further stated: The successful test flight of the CH-7 symbolizes a shift in military philosophy: stealth unmanned platforms are no longer just auxiliary forces at the tactical front line but have become core tools for strategic deterrence and power projection. At the same time, it also places China among the few countries capable of deploying reliable operational potential stealth flying-wing UAVs.

The CH-7 will serve as a long-range main force in the future

Although previous drones also had many reconnaissance and strike integrated types, reconnaissance was the primary task, and they mainly supported and coordinated with the main fighter aircraft. However, the emergence of the CH-7 has shaped drones into a powerful main force in long-range strike operations, marking a milestone. This UAV will serve as a long-range power projection force in the Western Pacific in the future and is expected to rewrite the rules of regional combat.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/7584316121927483955/

Disclaimer: This article represents the views of the author.