Chang Hong (CH-1)
China’s armed forces have operated the Chang Hong (CH-1) long-range, air-launched autonomous reconnaissance drone since the 1980s. China developed the CH-1 by reverse-engineering US Firebee reconnaissance drones recovered during the Vietnam War. Dozens of these AQM-34 drones were shot down over China in the late 1960s. An upgraded version of the system was displayed at the 2000 Zhuhai air show and is being offered for export. A PRC aviation periodical reported the CH-1 can carry either a daylight still, TV or infrared camera. It is likely not equipped with a data-link, which would allow remote control operation, nor is it capable of providing real-time payload feedback to the remote operator. China’s armed forces also operate other UAVs, primarily for battlefield reconnaissance or electronic warfare.
