China has flown a massive drone “mothership” that can deliver 100 attack drones to hit targets thousands of miles away. The Jui Tan has a payload of 13,200 pounds and also carries missiles and bombs. It took off in the Pucheng region of Shaanxi Province on Dec. 11. According to SlashGear the jet-powered drone has a wing span of 82 feet. Artists’ renderings also show it with a surveillance pod on the nose. The publication calls it the first drone of its type, noting that when it’s not dispersing exploding drones and other mayhem from above, it can be used to transport cargo or provide air support during civilian emergencies.
The drone is remotely piloted using satellite links and was first shown at the Zhuhai Airshow about a year ago. It’s part of a general shift in the Chinese military to make more use of autonomous and remotely piloted aircraft up to and including long-range stealth bombers and electronic warfare aircraft.
Imagine 4 dozen of these encircling and overflying Taiwan!!
Not to worry. We’re going to have battleships!! /s
Imagine a hundred Taiwan/US AA missiles launched at this non stealthy aircraft, some by modern air defense “battleships”
So the problem becomes how to overpower the saturation strategy built into this vehicle. Also, could a set of the drones from the mothership be launched as a shield to counter an anti-aircraft missile?
Imagine this as the first step towards replacing a CRJ! All you would need are some windows and seats.