China will be aggressive player in UAS market

The Chinese are coming. It is a fact for almost every product in the market and may soon be true about unmanned air systems (UAS). 

Israeli UAS manufacturers are expecting China to be a new, very aggressive player in the market.

The producers say that there are signs the Chinese are making a special effort to design a number of UAS types.

"I will not be surprised if within five years we see the first systems offered on the market," a senior industry source said.

He added that it is expected that Chinese UAS, at least in the first years, will not have the operational capabilities of those made in the US and Israel, but they may be attractive, especially for countries that are not in the frontline of technology.

Last year, China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation displayed the CH-4 UAS, which resembles the US-made Reaper.

The makers claim the CH-4 has an endurance of 30h and range of 1,738nm (3,218km)  at altitudes of up to 26,240ft (8,000m).

Another UAS displayed by the Chinese industry is dubbed Wing Loong and it also resembles the Reaper, according to reports.

Israeli sources predict the Chinese will offer UAS at very low prices to penetrate the market.

It will be very interesting to watch market reactions to the new Chinese-made systems and their operational capabilities relative to their price.