China will unveil a light truck-based launcher that can simultaneously launch up to 18 kamikaze drones

Among several intriguing concepts and technologies that became known in the run-up to the Zhuhai Air Show is a lightweight launcher that can simultaneously fire nearly two dozen drones.

Here's What We Know

So far, the name of the system is unknown, but we will most likely find out as early as next week. The new Chinese development was shown on the state television channel CCTV as a small preview of what China plans to show at the Zhuhai exhibition, which begins November 8.

The launcher is mounted on a light truck chassis. Its developer is Chinese company China Ordnance Equipment Group, if you believe the machine translation of the video. Also the company is sometimes found as China South Industries Group Corporation. Regardless of the name, it is a state-owned manufacturer, the scope of which covers civilian and military technologies for local companies and international partners.

As can be seen in the video, the system contains 18 drone launch containers. The CCTV story says the kamikaze drones are designed to strike ground personnel, light armored vehicles, simple fortifications, radars and other enemy targets.

Also two barraging munitions (or dummies) are demonstrated in the video. They are equipped with a stabilized camera, so they can be used not only as kamikaze drones, but also as unmanned reconnaissance drones. Externally, the barraging munitions resemble the American Switchblade 300 drones, which are being developed by AeroVironment. By the way, the entire system is almost a copy of the Israeli Mini Harpy.

Source: jesusfroman