China has carried out the maiden flight of an improved Cai Hong 4 (Rainbow 4, or CH-4) UAV using a more powerful engine. The MALE class UAV is equipped with a heavy-fuel engine (HFE), the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) said on Aug. 17.
The flight was allegedly carried out in northwest China in early July, according to Asian Military Review. Sources say the new engine is a turbocharged four-stroke Lark HFE with 150 hp. Wuhu-based Anhui Haery Aviation Power developed the engine. The Lark HFE-equipped CH-4 UAV’s endurance will reach 42 hours with 20 per cent reduced fuel consumption.
The Lark HFE is a liquid-cooled engine with a dry weight of 98 kg, including features such as a high-pressure common-rail fuel system (HPCR), full authority digital electronic control (FADEC) and a 2,000-hour average time before overhaul ratings.
This engine was developed by the China Academy of Aerospace Aerodynamics (CAAA), a subsidiary of CASC. The CH-4 UAV has a Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) of 1,330 kg and a payload capacity of 345 kg.
This unmanned aerial vehicle is powered by a 100 hp class piston engine in its standard configuration. The former motor drives a three-blade variable pitch propeller, allowing it to fly for 30 hours.
