The FH-96 is a high-efficiency, fixed-wing, small long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system designed to deliver persistent situational awareness over large operational areas for military, paramilitary, and civil security forces. With an endurance of up to 24 hours, a service ceiling of 9,000 meters, and a control range of 200 kilometers, the FH-96 bridges the gap between tactical mini-UAVs and strategic MALE drones — offering long-duration reconnaissance at a fraction of the cost.
Built on a lightweight composite airframe with a pusher propeller and inverted V-tail configuration, the FH-96 combines aerodynamic efficiency, modular payload integration, and autonomous operation to support continuous surveillance, electronic intelligence (ELINT), and networked warfare missions. It is launched via a mobile rail launcher and recovered by parachute-assisted landing with airbag protection, enabling rapid deployment in remote or austere environments.
Key Features
- Ultra-Long Endurance: Up to 24 hours of continuous flight (standard payload, optimal conditions).
- High-Altitude Operation: Service ceiling of 9,000 m (29,500 ft) for wide-area coverage and reduced vulnerability.
- Extended Range: Line-of-sight (LOS) control up to 200 km, with optional SATCOM upgrade for BLOS (Beyond Line of Sight) operations.
- Modular Payload Bay: Supports multiple mission configurations:
- EO/IR gimbal (HD daylight + thermal imaging)
- SIGINT/ELINT suite (RF detection, direction finding)
- Communications relay (UHF/VHF, LTE, mesh network)
- Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) – optional
- AIS/ADS-B receiver (maritime/air traffic monitoring)
- Autonomous Operation: Fully automatic takeoff, waypoint navigation, orbit, and recovery.
- Rapid Deployment: Rail launcher and ground control station (GCS) deployable within 30 minutes.
- Low Acoustic & Visual Signature: Optimized propeller and high-wing design reduce noise and visibility.
- All-Weather Capability: Operates in rain, snow, and wind up to Beaufort 6.
- Digital Secure Datalink: AES-256 encrypted COFDM transmission with anti-jamming and frequency agility.
- Open Architecture: Compatible with third-party payloads and integration into C4I systems.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| System Designation | FH-96 Small Long-endurance UAV System |
| UAV Type | Fixed-wing, high-aspect-ratio wing, pusher prop |
| Wingspan | 10.2 m |
| Length | 3.8 m |
| Height | 1.2 m |
| MTOW (Max Takeoff Weight) | 120 kg |
| Empty Weight | 65 kg |
| Payload Capacity | Up to 35 kg (internal + external) |
| Propulsion | Two-stroke gasoline engine or heavy-fuel (diesel) option |
| Fuel Capacity | 20 L (standard), 30 L (extended endurance) |
| Cruise Speed | 110–130 km/h |
| Max Speed | 180 km/h |
| Stall Speed | 65 km/h |
| Service Ceiling | 9,000 m (29,500 ft) |
| Operating Altitude (AGL) | 100 – 8,000 m |
| Wind Resistance | Up to 75 km/h (Beaufort 6) |
| Flight Endurance | 12–24 hours (depending on payload & altitude) |
| Control Range (LOS) | Up to 200 km |
| BLOS Option | Iridium or GEO SATCOM (global coverage) |
| Communication Link | Dual-band COFDM (C/L-band), frequency-agile |
| Encryption | AES-256 |
| Navigation System | GPS/BeiDou + GLONASS + INS (MEMS) |
| Autonomous Functions | Auto takeoff, waypoint nav, orbit, RTL, auto-land |
| Launch Method | Mobile rail launcher (pneumatic/hydraulic assist) |
| Recovery Method | Parachute + airbag, or net recovery (optional) |
| Ground Control Station (GCS) | Ruggedized dual-screen console with mission planning software |
| Crew | 2 (Pilot + Payload Operator) |
| Power Supply | Onboard 24V DC or external 220V AC/110V |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +60°C |
| System Deployment Time | < 30 minutes |
| Transportability | Fits in 20ft container or C-130 class aircraft |
Operational Roles
- Persistent Surveillance: 24/7 monitoring of borders, coastlines, pipelines, and conflict zones.
- Battlefield Reconnaissance: Real-time intelligence, target acquisition, and battle damage assessment (BDA).
- Electronic Intelligence (ELINT): Detection, identification, and geolocation of RF emitters (radars, comms).
- Communications Relay: Extends radio/UAV network range in mountainous or urban terrain.
- Maritime Patrol: AIS integration for vessel tracking and illegal fishing detection.
- Disaster Response: Long-duration imaging for flood, wildfire, or earthquake monitoring.
- Electronic Warfare Support: Carrier for jammers or decoys in contested environments.
Support & Export Configuration
The FH-96 is offered with a full lifecycle support package for international customers:
- Training program (pilot, operator, maintenance)
- Spare parts kits, engine modules, and payload spares
- Mission planning & data analysis software
- Remote diagnostics and over-the-air (OTA) software updates
- Optional SATCOM, SAR, or EW payload integration
- Civil certification support (for non-military use)
Available in standard reconnaissance, SIGINT, relay, and multi-role configurations.
System Composition
