CAIG / CASC Wing Loong II

Summary

Description

The Wing Loong II, also known as Pterodactyl II, is a medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed by the Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group, a subsidiary of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC). Primarily intended for surveillance and reconnaissance, it also possesses strike capabilities, making it a key part of China's push into the growing military drone market.

The development of the Wing Loong II came as a successor to the earlier Wing Loong I. This next iteration was an answer to the increasing global demand for armed drones, with the Chinese industry aiming to provide a more affordable alternative to Western counterparts like the MQ-9 Reaper. It also represented China's endeavor to capture a larger share of the international arms market, specifically in regions where western arms sales are restricted.

The UAV's design draws several parallels with the MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper:

1. Configuration: It has a conventional UAV design with a V-tail, mid-wings, and a single pusher propeller.
2. Engine: Powered by a piston engine, it drives a three-blade propeller.
3. Avionics: The Wing Loong II is equipped with an electro-optical sensor turret, satellite communication dome, and other advanced avionics that allow for both reconnaissance and precision strikes.
4. Armament: It can carry a range of weapons, including air-to-surface missiles and laser-guided bombs.

Operational history of Wing Loong II has seen it exported to several countries:

1. Exports: Multiple countries, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa, have expressed interest or have reportedly acquired the Wing Loong II. It has been considered an affordable alternative to other available systems, especially for countries with restricted access to Western UAVs.
2. Combat: The Wing Loong II has seen combat in various regions, particularly in Libya, where it has been deployed by the United Arab Emirates in support of the Libyan National Army (LNA). There, it conducted reconnaissance and strike missions.

The Wing Loong II underscores China's ambition to become a major player in the global arms market. Its competitive pricing and comparable capabilities have made it a sought-after drone for many countries looking to bolster their aerial reconnaissance and strike capabilities.

Technical specifications

All operators

United Arab Emirates • Bangladesh • China • Algeria • Egypt • Libya • Nigeria • Pakistan • Saudi Arabia