China unveils Z-5 unmanned helicopter

Following the global trend, Beijing has been developing a number of UAVs in recent years

An advanced unmanned helicopter designated the Z-5 made its first public appearance at Aviation Expo China 2011, which ran from 21-24 September in Beijing.

The Z-5 was developed by the 60th Research Institute of the PLA Headquarters of the General Staff Department, also the maker of the Z-3 drone that was unveiled at the third China UAV Expo in June 2010. Based on images that show the Z-5 next to a Z-3, the new unmanned vehicle is about 5.4 m long, or about twice the length of the Z-3.

My article, published today in Jane's Defence Weekly, continues here (subscription required).