China has developed a unique Feiyi unmanned system that launches into the air from a submarine and comes back out again
Chinese engineers have developed a unique unmanned system that could change the balance of power in potential conflicts at sea.
Here's What We Know
Scientists from Northwestern Polytechnic University (NWPU) and the China Aerodynamics Research and Development Centre (CARDC) have unveiled the Feiyi drone, which could be a breakthrough in military hardware.
The main feature of the Feiyi is that the UAV can be launched from a submarine, but can return to the submarine after completing the mission. This is facilitated by a special design of folding wings (it is thanks to this solution that the device is used repeatedly) and a propeller that allows it to move underwater. Feiyi blades fold in 5 seconds, which makes it more mobile and stealthy.
Feiyi can be used for both reconnaissance and strike.
The working principle of the Feiyi drone. Source: South China Morning Post
The US Army uses similar drones, but unlike Chinese drones, they are disposable and possibly inferior in a number of parameters.
Source: South China Morning Post
