CH-805

CH-805 is a high-speed, stealth flying-wing target drone developed by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) of China, built to simulate fourth-generation fighter aircraft for air-defence weapon testing and training.

Overview

CASC describes CH-805 as a flying-wing aircraft with strong radar stealth, designed to replicate the flight characteristics of fourth-generation fighters. The manufacturer markets it to support technical verification and tactical-technical assessment of new air-to-air and air-defence weapons, and for live-fire exercises by frontline units. CASC's product page, published in 2016, states that with added mission equipment the aircraft can also support simulation training for cluster (swarm) combat operations.

CH-805 belongs to CASC's wider CH (Rainbow) family of unmanned aircraft, produced by the manufacturer's China Academy of Aerospace Aerodynamics subsidiary, which spans small tactical and target types through to large medium-altitude long-endurance aircraft such as the CH-4 and CH-5.

Design and capabilities

CASC gives CH-805 a flying-wing layout intended to minimise radar return, stating a radar cross-section of less than 0.01 m². Published specifications list a wingspan of 4 m, a maximum take-off weight of 190 kg, and an endurance of 40 minutes (0.67 hours). CASC's product page does not state a maximum speed, despite describing the aircraft as "high-speed," nor does it publish an operating altitude, length or propulsion details.

Operational history

No publicly documented operator or deployment has been identified for CH-805 in the sources used here. CASC presents the aircraft as a target-drone offering within its export-oriented Rainbow UAV family, which GlobalSecurity.org reports has been sold to armed forces in more than ten countries across the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Africa, though no source confirms CH-805 specifically among those sales.

Frequently asked questions

What is CH-805 used for?

CASC markets it as a target drone for testing and evaluating air-to-air and air-defence weapons, and for live-fire and simulated swarm-combat training.

How stealthy is CH-805?

CASC states a radar cross-section of less than 0.01 m², achieved through its flying-wing layout.

How long can CH-805 fly?

CASC states an endurance of 40 minutes.

How heavy is CH-805?

Its maximum take-off weight is 190 kg, according to CASC's published specifications.

Who makes CH-805?

China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), through its China Academy of Aerospace Aerodynamics subsidiary, as part of the CH (Rainbow) UAV family.