New Wing Loong Drone Capable Of Intercontinental Flight

China has unveiled the latest member of its Wing Loong family of uncrewed aerial vehicles, reports the South China Morning Post (Hong Kong).

The Wing Loong 3 debuted on Tuesday at the Zhuhai Air Show.

It is significantly larger than its predecessors, measuring 40-feet (12.2-m) long, with a 79-foot (24-m) wingspan. The air vehicle has a maximum range of 6,200 miles (10,000 km) at medium altitudes.

The Wing Loong 3 can carry up to 16 missiles and bombs, including the PL-10E fourth-generation air-to-air missile, according to Chinese state media. The missile provides a self-defense capability against hostile drones and helicopters and is a new capability for the drone family, officials said.

Potential missions include long-range reconnaissance and surveillance, striking time-sensitive targets and long-endurance air patrols.

The manufacturer, Aviation Industry Corp. of China (AVIC), said it is working to establish mass production of the new system.