ASN-209

The ASN-209 is a medium-altitude, medium-endurance tactical UAV developed by China's Xi'an ASN Technology Group, developed in 2011 and exported internationally under the name "Silver Eagle."

Overview

The ASN-209 was developed by Xi'an Aisheng Technology Group, the Chinese UAV developer that grew out of Northwestern Polytechnical University's UAV Research Institute (also known as the 365th Institute), founded in 1984. The type is a twin-boom, pusher-configuration reconnaissance UAV built to fill a tactical, medium-endurance surveillance role for the Chinese armed forces and export customers.

The export variant, marketed as the Silver Eagle, made its own maiden flight on 1 June 2011, staying airborne for roughly 3.5 hours on that first sortie. Egypt subsequently acquired the type and, from May 2012, began domestic production under a technology-transfer agreement, eventually manufacturing an estimated 99.5% of components locally.

Design and capabilities

The ASN-209 is a twin-boom pusher-configuration aircraft with high-set wings and a stabiliser linking twin tail fins, launched with the help of a rocket booster. It is about 4.27 m long with a 7.5 m wingspan and a maximum take-off weight of 320 kg, carrying up to 50 kg of mission payload. Wikipedia lists a cruise speed of 140 km/h, a top speed of 180 km/h, a service ceiling of 5,000 m, an endurance of 10 hours and a combat range of about 200 km.

Operational history

The ASN-209 serves with China's People's Liberation Army and has been exported to Algeria's air force and to Egypt's armed forces. Egypt's acquisition included a technology-transfer arrangement under which the country began assembling the aircraft domestically from 2012, eventually producing nearly all components locally.

Variants

The type is marketed for export as the "Silver Eagle," which first flew separately in June 2011; specifications between the domestic ASN-209 and export Silver Eagle designation are broadly consistent in available sources.

Frequently asked questions

What is the range of the ASN-209?

It has a combat range of about 200 km and an endurance of 10 hours.

Who operates the ASN-209?

China's People's Liberation Army, along with Algeria's air force and Egypt's armed forces, which also assembles the type domestically.

Why is the ASN-209 also called the Silver Eagle?

Silver Eagle is the export marketing name used for the ASN-209 sold to international customers such as Egypt and Algeria.

When did the ASN-209 first fly?

It was developed in 2011; the export Silver Eagle variant's maiden flight was on 1 June 2011.