China's Mysterious Predator Clone Is Finally Out In The Open

[xchrom]

http://www.businessinsider.com/chinas-mysterious-predator-clone-is-finally-out-in-the-open-2012-11



China Aviation Industry Corporation has been trotting out videos and pictures of their cloned prototype U.S. MQ-1 Predator drone called the Wing Loong (Pterodactyl) for years, but this UAV is on display for an upcoming air show.

From Strategy Page:

While Wing Loong is similar in shape to the larger American MQ-9 Reaper, in size it's almost identical to the 1.2 ton Predator. Wing Loong weighs 1.1 tons, has a 14 meter (46 feet) wingspan, and is 9 meters (28 feet) long. It has max altitude of 5,300 meters (16,400 feet) and an endurance of over 20 hours.

Already believed to be marketed abroad, the Wing Loong has been seen carrying at least two unidentified missiles.


Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/chinas-mysterious-predator-clone-is-finally-out-in-the-open-2012-11#ixzz2BdvdWAiO

[Skidmore]

1. I'll bet you won't even be able to see it against the sky with that whizbang

camouflage exterior it has.

[Fumesucker]

4. I think the camouflage is a cloth covering of some sort

The drone quite possibly has a high tech anti radar coating that needs to be protected from the elements when not actually flying.

[gordianot]

2. Wonder if parts are interchangeable? n/t

[Marr]

3. Don't worry, if it's anything like the rest of the shit they build...

it'll burst into flame ten feet off the ground.

[Buddaman]

5. !!

[NBachers]

6. How much does Romney have invested in this?