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Aisheng ASN-209 (Silver Eagle)

2012 MODERN AIRCRAFT DRONE TECHNOLOGY

History

The Chinese military-industrial complex is accelerating, as evidenced by the growing number of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in service and in development. Products such as Aisheng's ASN-209 mid-air, China Aviation Time (MAME) tactical drone are typical examples, which are in service with both the People's Liberation Army and the Egyptian army.

This type serves an information gathering role and is largely traditional in design and configuration. Development of the type began in 2011 under the ASN Technology Group brand label as a joint partnership with the Egyptian government.

The Chinese Army uses the ASN-209 under the designation "Silver Eagle".

The ASN-209 has a central fuselage nacelle that houses the avionics suite, mission package payload, engines and fuel storage. The engine is mounted in the rear of the nacelle and drives a twin-blade propeller arranged in a "thrust" configuration. The main wing attachment is a straight plane mounted above the nacelle with thin tail booms extending aft, each supporting a vertical tail. The horizontal plane is installed between the ribs and acts as a stabilizer. The aircraft was ejected from the rear of a modified 6x6 wheeled transporter.

Rocket assist helps lift the UPS during launch. Netting arrangements are believed to be used to recover the drones as they return to ground control forces.

With its MAME classification, this drone can perform a variety of roles at the mid-air level, including target designation, electronic intelligence (ELINT), target tracking, electronic warfare (EW) or as a communications relay to escort the ground or air force. It is understood that ASN-209 is not an armed hunting drone.

It comes with a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 700 pounds, can reach speeds of 115 mph, cruise at 90 mph, and have a range of 125 miles. The mission duration window is designed to be 10 hours, with an operational service cap of 16,400 feet.