Chengdu Wing Loong-3
Largest Wing Loong with air-to-air and anti-submarine capability.
The Chengdu Wing Loong-3 is a medium-altitude, long-endurance unmanned combat aerial vehicle built by China’s Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group. It is the biggest member of the Wing Loong series and the first in the family with air-to-air combat capability. The drone is designed for a wide range of missions, including strikes against ground and maritime targets, anti-air and anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue, and surveillance or reconnaissance.
The prototype was first shown to the public at the Airshow China exhibition in Zhuhai in November 2022. Its design resembles the Wing Loong-2, with a slender monoplane fuselage, a V-tail, and a ventral fin. The landing gear has two main wheels under the fuselage and one under the nose. An electro-optical pod fitted beneath the forward fuselage carries daylight and infrared cameras and sensors for surveillance and targeting in both day and low-light conditions.
The aircraft has a maximum take-off weight of 6,200 kg, a length of 12.2 meters, and a wingspan of 24 meters. It can fly a range of at least 10,000 km at medium altitude and has an endurance of at least 40 hours. Payload capacity is 2,000 kg on external hardpoints and 300 kg in an internal bay. Armament options include the PL-10E air-to-air missile, the BA-7 anti-tank missile, AG-300/M air-to-ground missiles, and an anti-submarine sonobuoy launcher.
Quick Facts
- Aircraft Type
- MALE UCAV
- Manufacturer
- Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group
- Designer
- Chengdu Aircraft Design Institute
- Introduction
- 2022
- Developed From
- Chengdu GJ-2
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The prototype of the Wing Loong-3 was unveiled for the first time to the public during the Airshow China exhibition, held in Zhuhai from 8–11 November 2022. Its design is similar to the Wing Loong 2, consisting of a monoplane slender fuselage and empennage with a prominent V-tail and ventral fin. The landing gear comprises two main wheels under the fuselage and one single wheel under the nose. An electro-optical payload pod, fitted under the forward section of the fuselage, is integrated with daylight and infrared cameras and sensors to collect surveillance and targeting data in both day and low-light or night conditions.
Reader's Guide
The Wing Loong-3 represents a significant expansion of the Wing Loong family's capabilities, being the largest model and the first to incorporate air-to-air combat and anti-submarine warfare functions. Its maximum range of at least 10,000 km and endurance of 40 hours or more enable extended missions across multiple domains. The aircraft carries a payload of 2,000 kg on external hardpoints plus 300 kg in an internal bay, supporting a variety of armaments including PL-10E air-to-air missiles, BA-7 anti-tank missiles, AG-300/M air-to-ground missiles, and anti-submarine sonobuoy launchers. Its public debut at Airshow China in November 2022 highlighted its role as a multi-purpose platform for surveillance, strike, and search and rescue, reflecting the ongoing development of Chinese unmanned aerial systems.
Did You Know?
- The Wing Loong-3 was first publicly unveiled at Airshow China in Zhuhai from 8–11 November 2022.
- It is the largest and first air-to-air capable model of the Wing Loong family.
- Its maximum take-off weight is 6,200 kg and it has a range of at least 10,000 km.
- It can carry anti-submarine sonobuoy launchers for anti-submarine warfare.
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