CAIG Wing Loong II
Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group · China · first flew 2017 · reconnaissance aircraft
The Wing Loong II (Pterodactyl II) is China's frontline medium-altitude long-endurance armed UAV, combining surveillance and precision-strike capabilities in a Predator-class airframe. It has become one of the most widely exported armed drones of the 2010s.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turboprop, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 11 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Chinese MALE armed UAV resembling Predator/Reaper
- Tractor turboprop engine with V-tail
- Widely exported to Middle East and Africa
Closely resembles the MQ-1 Predator/MQ-9 Reaper family with an inverted-V tail, tractor turboprop nose, and long straight high-set wings; distinguishable from the Reaper by its slightly smaller size and Chinese markings or export liveries.
Specifications
- The CAIG Wing Loong II has a length of 11 m (36 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 20.5 m (67 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 370 km/h (230 mph).
- Typical crew: 0 (unmanned).
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Developed by the Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group as a successor to the Wing Loong I, the Wing Loong II first flew in 2017 and entered Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force service shortly thereafter. Its combination of performance and competitive pricing made it attractive to nations unable to acquire US MQ-9 Reapers.
Variants
The baseline Wing Loong II is the primary production model; a maritime surveillance variant and the enlarged Wing Loong III have been displayed, featuring expanded payload capacity and satellite communications.
Where you'll see it
Operated by China and exported to the UAE, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Serbia, and other nations; UAE Wing Loong IIs have seen combat in Libya and Yemen, establishing the type's operational record outside China.
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