The latest in a series of new military concepts coming out of China is the GDF-600 hypersonic glider weapon, which can launch other types weapons, in particular, own drones. The unmanned glider will carry an additional payload that can be launched in flight to engage multiple targets. In addition, the additional load can also be used for electronic warfare and reconnaissance operations.
A model of the concept weapon, called the GDF-600, was unveiled at the Zhuhai Air Show in China by the Guangdong Academy of Aerodynamic Research (GARA). According to the presented model, the weapon can simultaneously carry several auxiliary ammunition. This greatly expands the capabilities of the hypersonic glider, which will further unsettle any opponent.
Hypersonic weapons consist of a maneuverable glider launched on a ballistic missile or rocket booster. Due to their ability to constantly change their flight path before hitting the target, they are considered quite difficult to defend. Adding more warheads will make the equation even more complicated and will add to the hassle of any military standing up to China if these weapons ever see the light of day.
According to details shared by Michael Jerdev on X (formerly Twitter), the GDF-600 concept promises to have a top speed of Mach 7 (8,642 km per hour). The company claims that it can have a launch mass of 5,000 kg and can carry a payload of up to 1,200 kg. In addition, the hypersonic vehicle can travel a distance of up to 600 km and reach a maximum trajectory height of 40 km.
200% Deposit Bonus up to €3,000 180% First Deposit Bonus up to $20,000The company also says it can carry five different types of payloads that can reach different levels of top speed and engage targets at different ranges. At first glance, it seems that the company's payload was created to achieve various purposes, such as reconnaissance, defeating ground and even sea targets. In addition, it can also accommodate several unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), as shown by a model presented at the air show.
Some X netizens have also pointed out that the GDF-600 hypersonic aircraft appears to be based on the MD-22 test design that was unveiled two years earlier at the Zhuhai Air Show.
Among other innovations that appear at the air show in Zhuhai, – a drone that is said to have a maximum take-off weight of 10 tonnes and may be able to launch swarms of drones into the air. The drone, called Jiu Tian, which means “High Sky” in Chinese, runs on jet engines. It is being developed by the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC).
Besides, Beijing's newest J-15D military carrier aircraft was publicly demonstrated for the first time during an adaptive exercise in the city of Zhuhai in south China's Guangdong province. J-15D – is a two-seat electronic warfare aircraft that combines electronic suppression capabilities with strike capabilities, potentially playing a vital role in combat situations.