Tianying (Sky Hawk)

The Sky Hawk, known as Tianying in Chinese, is a part of the drone family developed by the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC), which encompasses various models with different configurations and capabilities. These range from miniature aerial vehicles to larger, more advanced versions. The initial model, SH-1, is launched by catapult and can achieve speeds of approximately 90 mph (144 kph) while operating at altitudes of up to 16,400 ft (5,000 m). In contrast, the SH-3 features a twin-fuselage design with a more limited payload capacity, catering to different operational needs.

Designed for stealth-based reconnaissance and attack missions, the Sky Hawk prioritizes multirole operations with a focus on high altitude, high stealth, and high autonomy, as per CASIC's specifications.

The Sky Hawk reportedly possesses communication capabilities with crewed aircraft, enabling it to serve as a wingman to China's J-20 or J-35 fighter jets.

In service.

The maiden flight took place in November 2017.

Sky Hawk has been on display at several Chinese airshows since 2018.

In 2019, state TV aired footage of the drone in flight, asserting that the Sky Hawk shares a flying wing aerodynamic design akin to the U.S. Air Force's B-2 stealth bomber. At that time, military observers also pointed out that the Chinese drone would be 35 ft (10 m) in length. Some drew parallels in design and shape between China’s Sky Hawk and Lockheed Martin’s X-44A drone.

At Airshow China 2022, Ma Hongzhong, the lead engineer, told the Global Times that the stealth drone can operate by itself or in tandem with a UAV swarm and the WJ-700, another high-altitude, high-speed, and long-endurance armed reconnaissance drone.

On Feb. 27, 2024, China Central Television (CCTV) aired a video showing a test flight of the Sky Hawk. The video footage showed it in flight with its tricycle landing gear in the wheels down position, indicating a preliminary flight-test. According to Janes, the UAV had design changes compared to an earlier iteration displayed during the China Air Show 2018 at Zhuhai. Changes include the larger surfaces of the wing aileron, and new antenna for very-/ultra-high-frequency (V/UHF) communications on its mid-dorsal surface.

As of March 2026, there have been no further updates regarding the system, its modifications, or its procurement status.

No. 3 Research Institute of the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC), China

China