China's Jetank- Giant Drone to Carry Weapons, Smaller AI-enabled UAVs

China revealed its Jetank heavy unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for the first time at the Airshow China 2024, held in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province.

The six-day event, which concluded on Sunday, drew around 600,000 visitors and recorded deals worth 280 billion yuan ($38.5 billion), according to China Central Television.

The Jetank, displayed by the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), boasts a maximum takeoff weight of 16 tons and a payload capacity of six tons. With a wingspan of 25 meters, the drone has been described by AVIC as a next-generation large unmanned aerial utility platform.

Equipped with eight hardpoints and a modular heavy-load mission system, the Jetank can perform a variety of tasks, including airlift, airdrop, fire strike, support missions, and electronic countermeasures. Its radar system and electro-optical pod provide enhanced situational awareness and satellite-based remote control capabilities.

Fu Qianshao, a Chinese military aviation expert, highlighted the drone's jet engine, which offers greater thrust compared to the propeller-driven systems typically found on armed reconnaissance drones. This configuration enhances its range and mission flexibility.

The Jetank was showcased with a range of weapon systems, such as laser-guided bombs, glide bombs, anti-ship missiles, and air-to-air missiles. It also features an "isomerism hive module," a specialized compartment for carrying smaller drones. This module allows the Jetank to deploy dozens of swarm drones, which can undertake missions like reconnaissance, strikes, communication, and electronic warfare. These smaller drones, supported by artificial intelligence, operate in coordination to maximize combat efficiency.

Wang Ya'nan, chief editor of Aerospace Knowledge magazine, compared the Jetank's six-ton payload capacity to that of a light fighter jet, emphasizing the absence of pilot-related limitations.

The Jetank’s adaptability extends beyond combat applications. Its modular design includes options for logistics transport, expanding its utility in non-military roles.