The previously unknown Beijing Black Buzzard Aviation Technology, a privately owned Chinese company, has unveiled two micro-turbine powered unmanned air vehicles and a joined tandem wing UAV.
Exhibited for the first time at September's Beijing Aviation Expo 2007, the systems - designated the HFT-40A and HFT-60A - show characteristics more aligned with high-speed target drones, but are being promoted as surveillance assets with the potential for use in civilian roles.
A full-size HFT-60A airframe was displayed at the show, and company data indicates that the design is capable of flying above 325kt (600km/h), has an operational radius of 150km (80nm), and an endurance of greater than 3h. The type has a wing span of 2.3m (7.5ft), a length of 3.4m and a maximum take-off weight of 90kg (200lb).
The UAV is claimed to incorporate a fully autonomous guidance system, with this programmed by a single laptop computer modified to act as a portable ground station. The design uses a rail launcher and parachute recovery.
The HFT-40A has a maximum speed above 270kt, an operational radius of 80km and an endurance of around 3h. It is 3.2m long, has a 2.1m span and 45kg MTOW.
The company's display also indicated five different micro-turbine engines in its current design portfolio. The HFT-60A engine type is given as the VWP-60, with this representative of the mid-sized units made by the company.
A joined-wing design shown in photographs on the company's exhibition booth has close conceptual parallels with the Seattle-based DARA Aviation D-1A, particularly in its use of a low-mounted forward wing and high rear wing, plus multiple tails. The forward fuselage profile is also near identical.
The Chinese design was shown in a camouflage paint scheme both in the air and on the ground, indicating a proposed tactical application. It appears to be powered by a pusher propeller, however, neither image showed clear details of the aft airframe sections. The type has a wide tricycle undercarriage indicating an expectation that it would operate from unprepared strips.
Source: Flight International
