NCSIST Chien Hsiang
| NCSIST Chien Hsiang | |
|---|---|
Launcher of Chien hsiang loitering munition | |
| Type | Loitering munition |
| Place of origin | Taiwan |
| Service history | |
| Used by | Republic of China Air Force |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 1,200 mm (47 in) |
| Width | 2,000 mm (79 in) |
| Wingspan | 2,000 mm (79 in) |
| Propellant | Liquid fuel |
Operational range | 1000 km[1] |
| Maximum speed | 185 km/h (115 mph) |
Guidance system | EO, inertial, and anti-radiation homing |
Launch platform | Box launcher |
| Transport | Tractor trailer |
The NCSIST Chien Hsiang (Taiwanese: kiàm-siông; English "Rising Sword") is a Taiwanese anti-radiation loitering munition developed and produced by the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology.
Overview
[edit]The Chien Hsiang is 1.2 meters long and has a wingspan of 2 meters.[2] It has a delta wing and a pusher propeller.[3] The Chien Hsiang has a reported loiter time of 100 hours and a top speed of 185 km/h.[4] They are primarily intended to fill the anti-radiation weapon role targeting enemy radars, transmitters, and associated systems.[3]
While the Chien Hsiang is comparable to the Israeli IAI Harpy, NCSIST has said that any resemblance is coincidental and that the platform is entirely indigenous.[5]
A variant with a sensor ball mounted under its nose has been displayed.[3]
History
[edit]The Chien Hsiang was first exhibited in 2017 at the Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition.[6] In 2019 the Taiwan Air Force’s Air Defense and Missile Command announced a five year, NT$80b (US$2.54b) project to build up a full force of anti-radiation UAVs.[7]
In 2022, it was reported that Chien Hsiang production was ahead of schedule and initial procurement was expected to be completed by 2024 or 2025.[8]
Launcher
[edit]The main Chien Hsiang launch platform is a trailer mounting twelve box launchers.[2] It can also be launched from fixed positions and naval vessels.[9]
Variants
[edit]Decoy
[edit]Designed to confuse air defenses systems in conjunction with strike Chien Hsiangs.[10]
Anti-ship
[edit]Two Chien Hsiang derivatives with larger warheads were displayed in 2023.[10]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Trevithick, Joseph. "Rare Look At Taiwan's Chien Hsiang Kamikaze Drone In Action". thedrive.com. The Drive. Retrieved 27 January 2024.
- ^ a b Everington, Keoni (21 October 2019). "Taiwan building fleet of Kamikaze drones to counter attack by China". www.taiwannews.com.tw. Taiwan News. Retrieved 21 October 2019.
- ^ a b c TREVITHICK, JOSEPH (18 August 2023). "Rare Look At Taiwan's Chien Hsiang Kamikaze Drone In Action". thedrive.com. The Drive. Retrieved 27 August 2023.
- ^ Cole, J. Michael (17 August 2017). "Taiwanese Military Unveils New Equipment at Defense Trade Show". Taiwan Sentinel. Retrieved 22 October 2019.
- ^ Wong, Kelvin. "TADTE 2019: Taiwan's NCSIST rolls out indigenous anti-radiation loitering munition". www.janes.com. Janes. Retrieved 21 October 2019.
- ^ Cole, J. Michael (30 June 2019). "How Taiwan Can Defend Its Coastline Against China". National Interest. Retrieved 22 October 2019.
- ^ Liao, George (19 June 2019). "Taiwan military to spend NT$80 billion on anti-radiation drone fleet". Taiwan News. Retrieved 22 October 2019.
- ^ Tien-pin, Lo; Chin, Jonathan (4 March 2022). "MND details missile program schedule". taipeitimes.com. Taipei Times. Retrieved 21 April 2022.
- ^ HELFRICH, EMMA; ROGOWAY, TYLER (16 November 2022). "Taiwan Shows Off Its Radar-Killing Kamikaze Drones". thedrive.com. The Drive. Retrieved 18 November 2022.
- ^ a b DOMINGUEZ, GABRIEL (14 March 2023). "Taking page from Ukraine, Taiwan shows off new killer drones". japantimes.co.jp. Japan Times. Retrieved 14 March 2023.