The ZQHW-350E is a medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE), multi-role unmanned aerial system (UAS) engineered for persistent intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), precision strike, electronic warfare (EW), and maritime patrol missions. Developed by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) for international customers, the ZQHW-350E combines strategic endurance, tactical responsiveness, and modular mission flexibility in a single, export-compliant platform.
With a maximum endurance of 40 hours, a payload capacity of 450 kg, and an operational radius exceeding 2,000 km, the ZQHW-350E delivers persistent coverage over vast land and maritime areas — from deserts and mountain ranges to exclusive economic zones (EEZs). Its high-wing, twin-boom pusher configuration ensures excellent aerodynamic efficiency and stability, while the heavy-fuel engine (diesel/Jet A-1 compatible) enhances fuel economy and logistical simplicity in remote operations.
Unlike rigidly configured drones, the ZQHW-350E is built on a modular open architecture, allowing rapid reconfiguration between ISR, armed strike, SIGINT/COMINT, and maritime surveillance roles within hours. This makes it ideal for nations seeking a single platform to fulfill multiple mission sets without investing in separate fleets.
Equipped with secure digital datalinks and optional Ku/Ka-band SATCOM, the system supports both line-of-sight (LOS) and beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) operations, enabling real-time data relay and global command control. Fully autonomous from takeoff to landing, the ZQHW-350E operates from semi-prepared runways as short as 500 meters, making it deployable in austere environments.
As a force multiplier for air forces, coast guards, and border security agencies, the ZQHW-350E offers affordable, high-performance, and scalable airpower for 21st-century security challenges.
Key Features
- Extended Endurance: Up to 40 hours of continuous flight — among the longest in its class.
- High Payload Capacity: 450 kg total payload — supports mixed sensor and weapon loads.
- Long Operational Radius: 2,000–2,500 km with LOS datalink; BLOS SATCOM enables global reach.
- Multi-Role Flexibility:
- ISR Configuration: EO/IR + SAR/GMTI + SIGINT
- Armed Configuration: AR-1, AR-2, FT-3/5/7, YJ-9E, APKWS-type rockets
- Maritime Configuration: MSR + AIS + corrosion protection
- EW Configuration: COMINT, radar warning, jamming pods
- Advanced Sensor Suite:
- HD EO/IR turret with laser rangefinder/designator
- L-band SAR/GMTI radar for all-weather imaging and moving target detection
- High-sensitivity SIGINT/COMINT system for signal interception and geolocation
- Optional maritime surveillance radar (MSR) with automatic ship detection
- Secure Digital Datalink: AES-256 encrypted COFDM, frequency-agile, anti-jamming, range up to 280 km LOS.
- BLOS Capability: Ku/Ka-band SATCOM option for beyond-line-of-sight control and data return.
- Heavy-Fuel Engine: Turbocharged diesel engine (~150 hp) — fuel-efficient and logistically robust.
- Autonomous Operation: Full auto takeoff, waypoint navigation, orbit, sensor tracking, weapon release, RTL, and autoland.
- Short-Field Performance: Operates from unpaved runways ≥ 500 m.
- Modular Open Architecture: Easy integration of third-party payloads and mission systems.
- Redundant Avionics: Dual INS, dual flight computers, and backup control channels.
- Ground Control Station (GCS): Containerized or mobile command post with dual operator stations, large-format displays, and C4ISR interface.
- Low Life-Cycle Cost: Designed for affordability in acquisition, maintenance, and operation.
Technical Specifications
Parameter |
Specification |
|---|---|
| System Designation | ZQHW-350E Multi-purpose Long Endurance System |
| UAV Type | Fixed-wing, high-wing, twin tailboom, pusher prop |
| Wingspan | 19.5 m |
| Length | 9.8 m |
| Height | 3.6 m |
| MTOW (Max Takeoff Weight) | 1,800 kg |
| Empty Weight | 1,350 kg |
| Payload Capacity | Up to 450 kg (internal bay + 6 external hardpoints) |
| Propulsion | Heavy-fuel turbocharged diesel engine (~150 hp) |
| Fuel Type | Diesel / Jet A-1 |
| Cruise Speed | 190–210 km/h |
| Max Speed | 240 km/h |
| Stall Speed | 92 km/h |
| Service Ceiling | 9,200 m (30,200 ft) |
| Operating Altitude (AGL) | 100 – 8,800 m |
| Wind Resistance | Up to 75 km/h (Beaufort 5) |
| Flight Endurance | 18–40 hours (payload-dependent) |
| Operational Radius | 2,000 – 2,500 km |
| Control Range (LOS) | Up to 280 km |
| BLOS Option | Ku/Ka-band SATCOM (global coverage) |
| Communication Link | Digital COFDM (LOS) + SATCOM (BLOS) |
| Encryption | AES-256 |
| Navigation System | GPS/BeiDou + GLONASS + Galileo + FOG-INS |
| Autonomous Functions | Auto takeoff, nav, orbit, sensor lock, weapon release, RTL, autoland |
| Hardpoints | 6 (4 underwing, 2 wingtip) |
| Weapon Compatibility | AR-1, AR-2, FT-3/5/7, LS-6, YJ-9E, APKWS-type |
| Primary Payloads | EO/IR, SAR/GMTI, SIGINT, MSR, COMINT |
| Ground Control Station (GCS) | Containerized or mobile command post; dual operator |
| Crew | 2 (Pilot + Mission Commander) |
| Power Supply | Onboard 28V DC / External 220V AC / Generator |
| Operating Temperature | -30°C to +55°C |
| Runway Requirement | 500–700 m (unpaved/dirt) |
| Transportability | Disassembled in 2x 20ft containers or heavy truck |
Operational Roles
- Persistent ISR: Long-duration surveillance over conflict zones, borders, or critical infrastructure.
- Precision Strike: Engagement of mobile and static targets with low collateral damage.
- Maritime Patrol: EEZ monitoring, anti-piracy, illegal fishing detection, and ship tracking.
- Electronic Intelligence (ELINT/SIGINT): Signal interception, geolocation, and communication monitoring.
- Border & Pipeline Security: 24/7 monitoring of remote and vulnerable areas.
- Disaster Response: Real-time imaging during floods, earthquakes, or wildfires.
- Battlefield Management: Real-time video feed to command centers for situational awareness.
- Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T): Acts as a sensor node for manned aircraft or ground units.
Support & Export Configuration
The ZQHW-350E is offered with full lifecycle support:
- Comprehensive training (flight, weapons, maintenance, intelligence analysis)
- Spare parts, engines, weapons, and payload modules
- Mission planning software with 3D terrain modeling and AI-assisted route optimization
- Remote diagnostics, OTA updates, and technical advisory teams
- Civilian variant available for environmental monitoring, geological surveying, and aerial mapping
Available Configurations:
- ISR-Only (SAR + EO/IR + SIGINT)
- Armed Strike (6 hardpoints, mixed weapons)
- Maritime Patrol (MSR, AIS, corrosion protection)
- SIGINT/COMINT Version
- Export-Compliant Weapon Suite (meets international arms regulations)
Designed for export to allied nations, the ZQHW-350E provides a cost-effective, high-performance alternative to Western MALE platforms, with proven reliability in hot, dusty, and humid environments.
