NCSIST Chien Hsiang | |
---|---|
Type | Loitering munition |
Place of origin | Taiwan |
Service history | |
Used by | Republic of China Air Force |
Production history | |
Manufacturer | National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology |
Specifications | |
Length | 1,200 mm (47 in) |
Width | 2,000 mm (79 in) |
Wingspan | 2,000 mm (79 in) |
Propellant | Liquid fuel |
Operational range | 1000 km [1] |
Maximum speed | 185 km/h (115 mph) |
Guidance system | EO, inertial, and anti-radiation homing |
Launch platform | Box launcher |
Transport | Tractor trailer |
The NCSIST Chien Hsiang ( Taiwanese: kiàm-siông; English "Rising Sword”) is a Taiwanese anti-radiation loitering munition developed and produced by the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology.
The Chien Hsiang is two meters wide, and 1.2 meters long. [2] It has a delta wing and a pusher propeller. [3] The Chien Hsiang has a reported loiter time of 100 hours and a top speed of 185 km/h. [4] They are primarily intended to fill the anti-radiation weapon role targeting enemy radars, transmitters, and associated systems. [3]
While the Chien Hsiang is comparable to the Israeli IAI Harpy, NCSIST has said that any resemblance is purely coincidental and that the platform is entirely indigenous. [5]
A variant with a sensor ball mounted under its nose has been displayed. [3]
The Chien Hsiang was first exhibited in 2017 at the Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition. [6] In 2019 the Taiwan Air Force’s Air Defense and Missile Command announced a five year, NT$80b (US$2.54b) project to build up a full force of anti-radiation UAVs. [7]
In 2022, it was reported that Chien Hsiang production was ahead of schedule and initial procurement was expected to be completed by 2024 or 2025. [8]
The main Chien Hsiang launch platform is a trailer mounting twelve box launchers. [2] It can also be launched from fixed positions and naval vessels. [9]
Designed to confuse air defenses systems in conjunction with strike Chien Hsiangs. [10]
Two Chien Hsiang derivatives with larger warheads were displayed in 2023. [10]