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Beijing’s most prominent new UAS is the dinosaur-named Wing Loong, or Pterodactyl.The aircraft is reportedly operational — China has previously shown only models of the drone — and closely resembles the U.S. MQ-9 Reaper.
But a lot cheaper. The Wing Loong reportedly comes at a rather incredible bargain price of $1 million, compared to the Reaper’s varying price tags in the $30 million range. Now, a word of caution to potential buyers: What you’re getting for that price might not be very capable.
But aside from price, the Wing Loong can also reportedly fly for about 20 hours, up to a range of 2,500 miles. It also packs four “hard points” for mounting a variety of laser- and precision-guided bombs. Also pictured on Chinese television was the Wing Loong’s ground control room, similar to the ones used by American UAS, but with only three-screen-equipped workstations compared to the Reaper’s five.
Source: Wired: Danger Room