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Airshow China 201 6
1 - 6 November 2016
Zhuhai - Jinwan Airport
 
 
Airshow China: CAIC unveils armed variant of its AV500 UAV
 
At this 11th edition of Airshow China, Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation (CAIC) was disclosing a militarized variant of its AV500 unmanned helicopter, dubbed AV500W. This new armed drone is designed to perform surveillance and light attack missions, within a combat radius of 200 km.
     
AV 500W The AV500W unmanned helicopter on CAIC booth at Airshow China 2016
     

With its conventional layout with a pair of skids as landing gear, the AV500W globally shares the same design that the other members of the AV family. An armed UAV, the A500W incorporates reinforced landing gear, as well as two pylons. Each pylons can carry up to two weapons.

It also features a sensor ball for surveillance and targeting tasks. According to CAIC, the A500W is equipped with semi-active laser guidance system.

The AV500W has a maximum take-off weight of 470 kg. It features an endurance of 8h in ISR mode and 4h in reconnaissance and attack mode. The drone has a service ceiling of 4,000m. The AV500W in 7.2 m long and 2.4 m high.

The AV500 family is based on the experience gained from U8E, and it is named as its maximum take-off weight of 500 kg. Like U8E, AV-500 is also an unmanned helicopter in conventional layout with a pair of skids as landing gear.