China to export CH-5 drone

BEIJING, Nov. 3 (UPI) -- China has granted an export license for the CH-5 reconnaissance and combat drone, the state-run China Daily website reported this week.

The report called the drone one of the most powerful in the world, twice as big as its predecessors with a 60-hour flight endurance capable of hitting heights of 6 miles.

"Several foreign nations have expressed intentions to purchase the CH-5, and we are in talks with them," Shi Wen, a chief designer at the China Academy Aerospace Aerodynamics, was quoted as saying.

Shi said the CH-5 can perform any operations undertaken by General Atomics' MQ-9 Reaper.

The CH-5 can also conduct a joint strike with its CH-3 and CH-4 predecessors because they have the same data link and control system.

This newest iteration can also carry airborne early warning systems for regional surveillance and battlefield command and control.

It is made of composite materials and has a wing span of nearly 70 feet.

Armed, the CH-5 carries up to 24 missiles.

The CH-5 made its first flight last summer.

The export news comes during the same week that China's J-20 stealth fighter made its public debut at the country's International Aviation and Aerial Space Exhibition.