On May 1st, 2024, at 16:35 GMT 00, a particular aircraft was spotted near Eglin Air Force Base. This aircraft, supposedly a UAV, bears a resemblance to the Chinese drone FL-71. No official statement has been released by the U.S. military regarding this flight in Florida, prompting a small OSINT investigation.
Flight tracking data shows that numerous flights of small passenger transport aircraft such as a Sabre 40 and a Saab 340, both in service with U.S. government agencies, were airborne in the area with flight paths surrounding the supposed drone flight zone. Additionally, no civilian aircraft crossed this zone at high or low altitudes.
No NOTAM, flight restriction, or airspace closure was issued in the region for May 1st, 2024, which is surprising for a test flight.
Let’s delve into the nearby airbase. Eglin Air Force Base (AFB) holds a unique position within the U.S. Air Force. Spanning over 463,000 acres, Eglin AFB is one of the largest military bases globally and plays a crucial role in testing, evaluating weapons and systems, aircraft development, and training. The base houses the Air Force Materiel Command’s Air Armament Center and is a key hub for all Air Force armaments, responsible for their development, acquisition, testing, deployment, and sustainment. Notably, the 96th Test Wing conducts much of the testing and evaluation work at Eglin, ensuring Air Force weaponry remains effective and state-of-the-art.
Now, about the aircraft. Although information is scarce, photos reveal a distinctive diamond-shaped drone with two triangular wings, suggesting a resemblance to the Chinese Fei Long-71 drone developed by Zhong Tian Guide Control Technology Company. Unveiled at the 2018 Zhuhai Airshow, this drone reflects China’s ambition to democratize and deploy stealth technology. While specifics about the Chinese drone are limited, notable features include a fuselage designed for low radar visibility, trapezoidal wings contributing to its stealth profile, and engine exhaust systems minimizing infrared signatures to evade enemy detection and tracking.
The FL-71 boasts a gross weight of 22,000 kg (48,502 lb) and a maximum takeoff weight of 28,000 kg (61,729 lb). Performance-wise, it can reach speeds of up to 2,200 km/h (1,400 mph, 1,200 knots) or Mach 1.8, ideal for fast and stealthy missions. Its remarkable range of up to 7,000 km (4,300 mi, 3,800 nmi) and operational altitude of 15,000 meters (49,000 feet) make it capable of delivering weaponry, speculated to include missiles and bombs convertible into glide bombs.
Sample of DARPA plane flying in test area (Picture source: adsbexchange.com + Army Recognition
Images from this test, seemingly conducted by DARPA, the U.S. agency for defense technical projects, depict an unconventional aircraft aligning with DARPA’s research areas. The Next Generation Air Dominance Platform (NGAD) project, launched in 2021, explores stealthy forms similar to this. It comprises manned aircraft and drones, indicating a potential connection.
DARPA has not released any statements regarding this flight, but further information and confirmations are expected soon.
Top Photo: Visual of spotted UAV over Florida on May 1st (Picture source: OSINT)
Source: Army Recognition