Feihong FH-97
Stealth loyal wingman drone for electronic warfare and reconnaissance.
The Feihong FH-97 is a stealthy prototype unmanned combat aerial vehicle, built to serve as a "loyal wingman." It can suppress enemy air defenses using electronic countermeasures, fly ahead of manned aircraft to give early warning, absorb damage from incoming attacks, and carry out reconnaissance and battle damage assessment. The drone can also deploy the FH-901 to strike moving targets. It was created by the Aerospace Times Feihong Technology Corporation, part of the Ninth Academy of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, a state-owned defense and aerospace firm. The FH-97 was first shown to the public in 2021 at Airshow China in Zhuhai.
Chief designer Deng Shuai described the loyal wingman system as "both a sensor and an ammunition depot, as well as an intelligent assistant for pilots." The FH-97 specializes in ground attack, while the FH-97A, a derivative, focuses on air-to-air combat. The FH-97’s angular vertical stabilizer and stealthy shape reduce its radar cross-section, letting it work alongside Chinese stealth jets like the Chengdu J-20. It carries an Electro-optical targeting system (EOTS) under its nose—the FH-97A has its EOTS above the nose—to track ground and air targets, similar to systems on the J-20, J-35, and F-35. Deng Shuai stated the FH-97 can link with various in-service aircraft via a multi-band airborne data link, forming internal drone networks and collaborative networks with manned planes without needing extra modifications to the manned aircraft. American media have claimed the FH-97 copied the XQ-58 Valkyrie, though the two differ in size and platform.
Quick Facts
- Aircraft Type
- Unmanned combat aerial vehicle / Loyal wingman
- National Origin
- China
- Manufacturer
- Aerospace Times Feihong Technology Corporation
- Construction Date
- 2021
- Developed Into
- Feihong FH-97A
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The FH-97 was developed by the Aerospace Times Feihong Technology Corporation, a Chinese state-owned defense and aerospace manufacturer under the Ninth Academy of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. Chief designer Deng Shuai described the loyal wingman system as 'both a sensor and an ammunition depot, as well as an intelligent assistant for pilots.' The drone is designed to suppress air defenses with electronic countermeasures, fly ahead of manned aircraft to provide early warning, absorb damage from attacks, and conduct reconnaissance and damage evaluation. It can also deploy the FH-901 to strike maneuvering targets.
The FH-97 features an angular vertical stabiliser and stealth configuration to reduce its radar cross-section, enabling it to operate alongside Chinese stealth aircraft such as the Chengdu J-20. It is equipped with an Electro-optical targeting system (EOTS) under the nose for tracking ground and air targets, similar to systems on the J-20, J-35, and F-35. The FH-97A variant, developed from the FH-97, has its EOTS above the nose and specializes in air-to-air combat. Deng Shuai stated that the FH-97 can connect to several types of in-service aircraft via its multi-band airborne data link system, requiring no additional installations or modifications to manned aircraft. American media has claimed Feihong copied the American XQ-58 Valkyrie despite dissimilarities in size and platform.
Reader's Guide
The FH-97 represents a significant step in Chinese unmanned combat aerial vehicle development, particularly in the loyal wingman concept. Its integration of stealth, electronic warfare, and multi-band data link capabilities allows it to function as both a sensor and an ammunition depot for manned aircraft. The ability to deploy the FH-901 for striking maneuvering targets adds offensive versatility. The FH-97's design, with angular vertical stabiliser and reduced radar cross-section, is intended to complement Chinese stealth fighters like the J-20. The development of the FH-97A variant for air-to-air combat indicates an expansion of the platform's role. The claim by American media of copying the XQ-58 Valkyrie remains disputed, with noted dissimilarities in size and platform. The FH-97's public debut at Airshow China in 2021 showcased China's progress in drone technology and its potential to reshape aerial combat through collaborative manned-unmanned teaming.
Did You Know?
- The FH-97 was first unveiled to the public in 2021 at Airshow China in Zhuhai.
- The FH-97 can deploy the FH-901 to strike maneuvering targets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Feihong FH-97?
The FH-97 is a stealthy prototype unmanned combat aerial vehicle designed to operate as a loyal wingman alongside manned fighter jets. It was developed by Aerospace Times Feihong Technology Corporation, a division of the Ninth Academy within China's state-owned Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.
What can the Feihong FH-97 do in a combat scenario?
It can fly ahead of a manned aircraft to provide early warning, suppress enemy air defenses with electronic countermeasures, absorb incoming fire, and perform reconnaissance plus battle damage assessment. The drone is also capable of launching the FH-901 weapon to engage moving targets.
Who is the chief designer behind the Feihong FH-97?
Deng Shuai serves as the chief designer of the FH-97 program. He leads the team at Aerospace Times Feihong Technology Corporation, which operates under the Ninth Academy of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.
When and where was the Feihong FH-97 first revealed to the public?
The drone made its public debut at Airshow China in Zhuhai in 2021. That unveiling marked the first time the loyal-wingman concept was shown to an international audience.
What variants of the Feihong FH-97 exist?
Two configurations are recognized: the base FH-97, which focuses on ground-attack missions, and the FH-97A, which is tailored for air-to-air combat. Both share the same stealthy airframe and loyal-wingman operational philosophy.
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