Iraq Launches Chinese CH-4B Combat Drone

Iraq has officially launched a China-made CH-4B combat drone.

There are two versions, the CH-4A and CH-4B. The CH-4A is a reconnaissance drone (capable of a 3500-5000 km range and 30-40 hour endurance) while the CH-4B is a mixed attack and reconnaissance system with provision for 6 weapons and a payload of up to 345 kg. Maximum takeoff weight is 1,330 to 1,350kg, Iraqi Defense ministry said in a statement Saturday.

Iraqi Defence Minister Khaled al-Obeidi oversaw the launch at Kut Airbase.

Fuel capacity is 165kg and payload is 345kg. Cruise speed is 150 to 180km/h, while maximum speed is 235km/h. Range is of around 200-250km, and endurance can vary between 30 hours (unarmed) and 14 hours (armed). The service ceiling is 7,500m. 

Armament CH-4 ; Four external hard points (under the wings) capable of operating Lan Jian 7 (Blue Arrow 7) laser-guided air-to-surface missiles; LT series precision guided bombs; TG100 laser/INS/GPS-guided bomb.

Iraq is expected to use the drone in their fight against the ISIS.