The ZQWJ-700 is a high-altitude, long-endurance (HALE), strategic unmanned aerial system (UAS) developed by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) for persistent wide-area surveillance, signals intelligence (SIGINT), electronic warfare (EW), and precision strike operations at continental scale. Designed as a fifth-generation HALE platform, the ZQWJ-700 combines the endurance and coverage of a reconnaissance satellite with the flexibility and responsiveness of an armed UAV.
Operating at altitudes up to 18,000 meters (59,000 ft) — well above commercial air traffic and most air defense systems — the ZQWJ-700 delivers uninterrupted, real-time intelligence over vast regions for durations exceeding 48 hours. Its swept-wing, twin-engine configuration and composite airframe ensure exceptional aerodynamic efficiency and structural integrity in the thin upper atmosphere.
Unlike pure ISR platforms, the ZQWJ-700 integrates internal weapons bays and external hardpoints, enabling it to conduct deep-strike missions against high-value targets without requiring separate combat aircraft. This “see-and-shoot” capability makes it a true strategic multi-domain asset for modern warfare.
Equipped with multi-spectral sensor suites, including SAR/ISAR, EO/IR, SIGINT/COMINT, and maritime surveillance radar, the ZQWJ-700 provides unparalleled situational awareness across land, sea, and electromagnetic domains. Optional Ku/Ka-band SATCOM ensures global beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) command and control, allowing operation from remote bases or forward locations.
As a force multiplier for national command authorities, the ZQWJ-700 serves as a persistent airborne C4ISR node, battlefield management hub, and strategic strike platform — all in one integrated system.
Key Features
- Stratospheric Operations: Service ceiling of 18,000 m (59,000 ft) — above weather and most threats.
- Ultra-Long Endurance: Up to 48 hours continuous flight — among the longest for HALE UAVs.
- Global BLOS Capability: Ku/Ka-band SATCOM enables worldwide operations and data relay.
- Multi-Intelligence Fusion:
- High-resolution SAR/ISAR (synthetic aperture / inverse SAR) for all-weather imaging
- HD EO/IR turret with laser designation
- Advanced SIGINT/ELINT/COMINT suite for signal interception, geolocation, and jamming
- Maritime Surveillance Radar (MSR) + AIS for ocean domain awareness
- Optional hyperspectral imaging and cyber-EW pods
- Internal Weapons Bay + External Hardpoints:
- 2 internal bays for low-observable weapon carriage
- 6 external hardpoints (total payload capacity: 1,200 kg / 2,650 lbs)
- Capable of carrying AR-2, FT-7/9, YJ-9E, small-diameter bombs, and decoy drones
- Stealth-Optimized Design:
- Low-observable airframe shaping
- Radar-absorbing materials (RAM) coating
- Internal fuel and weapons storage to reduce RCS
- Secure Digital Architecture:
- AES-256 encrypted datalinks (LOS + SATCOM)
- Frequency-agile COFDM transmission
- Anti-jamming and anti-spoofing navigation (GPS/BeiDou + inertial fusion)
- Autonomous Operation:
- Full auto takeoff, en-route navigation, sensor tasking, weapon release, return-to-base, and autoland
- AI-assisted target recognition and mission planning
- Twin Turbofan Engines: High-efficiency, heavy-fuel turbofans (~10 kN thrust each) for sustained high-altitude cruise.
- High Fuel Efficiency: Optimized for loitering at Mach 0.4–0.5 with minimal fuel burn.
- Ground Control Station (GCS): Strategic command center with multi-operator consoles, large-format displays, 3D synthetic environment, and direct integration with national C4ISR networks.
- Mission Flexibility: Rapid reconfiguration between ISR, EW, maritime patrol, and strike roles.
- Redundant Systems: Dual flight computers, triple-channel control, dual INS for mission-critical reliability.
- Low Observability: Reduced radar cross-section (RCS) and infrared (IR) signature for survivability in contested airspace.
Technical Specifications
Parameter |
Specification |
|---|---|
| System Designation | ZQWJ-700 HALE Reconnaissance and Strike System |
| UAV Type | Fixed-wing, swept wing, twin-engine, pusher configuration |
| Wingspan | 22.8 m |
| Length | 14.2 m |
| Height | 4.5 m |
| MTOW (Max Takeoff Weight) | 7,500 kg |
| Empty Weight | 4,800 kg |
| Payload Capacity | Up to 1,200 kg (internal bays + 6 external hardpoints) |
| Propulsion | 2× Heavy-fuel turbofan engines (~10 kN thrust each) |
| Fuel Type | Jet A-1 / JP-8 |
| Cruise Speed | 550–650 km/h (Mach 0.45–0.55) |
| Max Speed | 720 km/h |
| Service Ceiling | 18,000 m (59,000 ft) |
| Operating Altitude (AGL) | 10,000 – 18,000 m |
| Wind Resistance | Up to 90 km/h (Beaufort 6) |
| Flight Endurance | 30–48 hours (payload-dependent) |
| Operational Radius | 4,000 – 5,000 km |
| Control Range (LOS) | Up to 350 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 (dual redundant) |
| Autonomous Functions | Auto takeoff, nav, orbit, sensor lock, weapon release, RTL, autoland |
| Hardpoints | 2 internal bays + 6 external (4 underwing, 2 wingtip) |
| Weapon Compatibility | AR-2, FT-7/9, LS-6, YJ-9E, SDB-type, mini-UAV decoys |
| Primary Payloads | SAR/ISAR, EO/IR, SIGINT, MSR, COMINT, EW pods |
| Ground Control Station (GCS) | Containerized strategic command post; 3–5 operators |
| Crew | 3–5 (Pilot, Mission Commander, Sensor Ops, EW Officer, Weapon Officer) |
| Power Supply | Onboard 28V DC / External 380V AC / Generator |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +55°C |
| Runway Requirement | 1,200–1,500 m (paved only) |
| Transportability | Disassembled in 3x 40ft containers or strategic airlift (e.g., Y-20) |
Operational Roles
- Strategic ISR: Persistent wide-area surveillance over continents, conflict zones, or denied areas.
- Deep Penetration Strike: Engagement of high-value, time-sensitive targets deep behind enemy lines.
- Electronic Warfare (EW): SIGINT collection, radar jamming, communication disruption, and cyber operations.
- Maritime Domain Awareness: Oceanic patrol, anti-submarine support (with sonobuoys), and ship tracking.
- Battle Management & C2 Relay: Acts as an airborne command node for networked forces.
- Missile Warning & Early Detection: Integration with national missile defense systems.
- Disaster Monitoring: Real-time imaging during large-scale natural disasters.
- Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T): Serves as a loyal wingman for strategic bombers or fighters.
Support & Export Configuration
The ZQWJ-700 is offered as a strategic turnkey system with full lifecycle support:
- Comprehensive training program (flight, weapons, intelligence, maintenance)
- Spare parts, engines, weapons, and advanced payload modules
- AI-powered mission planning software with threat modeling and autonomous routing
- Remote diagnostics, secure OTA updates, and embedded technical advisory teams
- Civilian variant available for atmospheric research, disaster monitoring, and telecom relay
Available Configurations:
- ISR Dominance: SAR/ISAR + EO/IR + SIGINT/COMINT
- Combat Strike: Internal bays + external hardpoints for precision munitions
- Maritime Patrol: MSR + AIS + sonobuoy dispenser
- Electronic Attack (EA): Dedicated jamming and deception pods
- Export-Compliant Model: Geofencing, reduced endurance, non-lethal options
Target Customers:
- National Air Forces
- Strategic Command Agencies
- Coast Guards (maritime variant)
- Intelligence Services
Proven in high-altitude test campaigns and operational evaluations, the ZQWJ-700 represents the future of strategic unmanned aviation — combining satellite-like persistence with aircraft-level flexibility.
