Officials from Chinese company Ziyan revealed at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2018 exhibition in South Africa on 19–23 September that the Blowfish I vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has entered service with the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN).
The Zhuhai-based UAV manufacturer, who did not provide any details about the number of Blowfish currently in service with the PLAN, showcased a model of the electric-powered 1.75 m-long platform at the show carrying three missile-like projectiles.
According to Ziyan, the Blowfish I has a maximum take-off weight of between 28 and 50 kg and an endurance of between 45 to 60 minutes. The UAV can reach an altitude of 5,100 m and carry a payload of between 7 and 12 kg, excluding its electro-optical system. Officials at the show told Jane’s that the UAV can also be equipped with anti-personnel grenades and be modified to deploy small sonobuoys upon customer request.
Photo: Richard D Fisher Jr
Source: Jane’s 360