CASC CH-901
A rapidly deployable loitering munition with multi-platform launch capability.
The CH-901, also designated the FH-901, belongs to the Rainbow family of loitering munitions and was first shown in 2016 by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). It can be readied and fired from its tube in three minutes, then races toward its target area at 180 km/h. Once there, it loiters for up to an hour at 100 km/h, holding an altitude between 100 and 150 meters. When the drone’s electro-optical system identifies a target, it strikes at 288 km/h with its warhead. The payload options include a 3.5 kg high-explosive charge, a fragmentation warhead, a shaped charge for armor penetration, or a reconnaissance camera. Multiple CH-901s can be launched together in swarms to overwhelm adversaries. The system is deployable by soldiers in the field from a tube, as well as from vehicles, aircraft, and UCAVs. In 2020, China displayed a Dongfeng Mengshi truck carrying 48 launch tubes for these munitions. The CH-901 can also be launched from the FH-97 loyal wingman drone, which debuted at Airshow China in 2021.
Quick Facts
- Is Missile
- yes
- Origin
- China
- Manufacturer
- China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC)
- Production Date
- 2016-present
- Speed
- Stanard: 180 km/h / Cruise: 100 km/h / Terminal: 288 km/h
- Filling
- 3.5 kg of HE / HE-Frag / HEAT shaped charge / camera head
- Guidance
- electro-optical seeker
- Launch Platform
- Air, ground-launched
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The CH-901 was unveiled in 2016 as part of the Rainbow series of drones developed by CASC. It can be prepared and launched from its tube in three minutes, after which it dashes to its target area at 180 km/h. Once there, it loiters for up to 60 minutes at 100 km/h at an altitude of 100–150 meters. When a target is located using its electro-optical guidance, the drone dives onto the target at 288 km/h and detonates its warhead.
The munition can carry a 3.5 kg high explosive warhead, a fragmentation charge, a shaped charge for penetrating armor, or a camera for reconnaissance. The drones can also be launched in waves to swarm and overwhelm enemies. In 2020, China unveiled a Dongfeng Mengshi truck fitted with 48 launch tubes for CH-901 loitering munitions. Additionally, the CH-901 can be launched from the FH-97 loyal wingman drone, which was unveiled at Airshow China in 2021.
Reader's Guide
The CH-901 represents a significant development in loitering munition technology, offering a flexible and rapidly deployable system that can be used by soldiers in the field, from vehicles, aircraft, and UCAVs. Its ability to be launched in waves to swarm targets highlights its potential for coordinated attacks. The integration of the CH-901 with the FH-97 loyal wingman drone and the Dongfeng Mengshi truck with 48 launch tubes demonstrates a trend toward networked, high-volume drone warfare. The munition's multiple warhead options—including high explosive, fragmentation, shaped charge, and reconnaissance camera—allow it to adapt to different mission requirements. Its relatively short preparation time and loiter endurance of up to 60 minutes provide operators with a responsive and persistent strike capability. The CH-901's inclusion in the Rainbow series underscores CASC's focus on developing a family of drones for various combat roles.
Did You Know?
- The CH-901 can be prepared and launched from its tube in 3 minutes.
- It can carry a 3.5 kg high explosive warhead, fragmentation charge, shaped charge, or a camera for reconnaissance.
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