In recent hours, new images and videos have revealed the progress of a new reconnaissance drone belonging to the People’s Liberation Army Air Force of China (PLAAF). According to experts, this is likely the Caihong-7 (CH-7) “Rainbow,” a next-generation drone with stealth characteristics and multiple surveillance and attack capabilities. The released footage shows this unmanned aircraft taxiing on an unidentified runway, featuring a distinctive yellow color typical of prototype test models.
The CH-7 was developed by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), with its initial public unveiling in 2018 when a mock-up was displayed at the Airshow China in Zhuhai. The drone attracted attention with its tailless “flying wing” configuration. Over the years, its design has undergone significant improvements. In 2022, a refined model with modified wings and a 26-meter wingspan was presented. However, recent estimates indicate that the latest observed model has an expanded wingspan of approximately 33 meters, demonstrating the design’s evolution and growth.
In January this year, the Global Times reported that China had completed final structural performance tests on the CH-7’s airframe, suggesting that development could be completed by the end of the year. According to local sources, the aircraft has advanced aerial reconnaissance, detection, surveillance, coverage, escort, and air defense capabilities, providing Chinese forces with a highly versatile, multi-mission platform.
Although its in-flight attack capability is yet to be confirmed, CH-7 specifications suggest its potential use in combat missions. Experts have also speculated that this unmanned aerial vehicle may be used in “Loyal Wingman” missions, serving as an autonomous escort in support of larger manned aircraft.
Prototype Drone in Testing Phase
The yellow color observed in recent images suggests that the CH-7 is still in the prototype or pre-production testing phase. In earlier stages of development, other systems have used this same color scheme as a marker of their experimental status. The release of these images also reinforces China’s intent to adopt stealthy, unmanned platforms for autonomous missions, an area where other countries, such as the United States, have made substantial investments in recent years.
Finally, there is speculation that an export version of the CH-7 may be available in the future, despite U.S. restrictions on the export of drone and missile-related technologies. China’s adoption of these systems reflects the country’s increasing commitment to expanding its cutting-edge defense technology arsenal and diversifying its tactical options in regional security and defense.
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