The Wing Loong II UAV is a significant advancement in China’s unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology. Developed by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), it made its first test flight in March 2017.
The aircraft was introduced as a direct competitor to Western MALE (Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance) drones, such as the MQ-9 Reaper.
Its design and capabilities have positioned it as a major player in the global UAV market. Large international orders reflect its growing presence and strategic value in modern warfare.
The Wing Loong II combines surveillance and strike capabilities, making it an attractive option for military forces seeking multi-role UAV solutions.
Design and Structure
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance, Armed Drone |
| Service Ceiling | 9,900 m |
| Weight | 4,200 kg (take-off) |
| Speed | 370 km/h |
| Endurance | 32 hours |
| Length | 11.0 m |
| Wingspan | 20.5 m |
| Height | 4.1 m |
The Wing Loong II represents a significant step forward in China’s UAV development. Its design reflects the need for a more capable, multi-role drone that can precisely carry out surveillance and combat missions.
Building on the foundation of the Wing Loong I, the Wing Loong II introduces structural improvements, increased payload capacity, and enhanced aerodynamic efficiency.
These upgrades give it an edge in operational flexibility and mission endurance, making it a valuable asset for both domestic and international military forces.
Airframe and Aerodynamics
The Wing Loong II is based on the design of the Wing Loong I but features a larger and more refined airframe that enhances performance and versatility.
The drone’s monoplane configuration, slender fuselage, and V-tail contribute to improved aerodynamic efficiency, reducing drag and enhancing stability during flight.
- Monoplane design – Reduces drag and enhances lift, improving overall flight efficiency.
- V-tail configuration – Provides better stability and maneuverability in both calm and turbulent air.
- Ventral fin – Enhances directional control and helps maintain balance during turns and changes in altitude.
- Tri-cycle landing gear – Ensures stable take-offs and landings on various terrains, including unprepared runways.
The improved airframe not only increases the drone’s stability but also enhances its ability to carry a greater payload while maintaining flight efficiency.
Its refined design allows for a higher operational ceiling and longer flight duration, positioning it as a capable tool for long-range missions.
Dimensions
The Wing Loong II’s larger size is a direct response to the need for greater endurance and more robust payload capacity.
The increase in dimensions allows the drone to accommodate more advanced sensors and a wider range of weapon systems, improving its overall effectiveness.
- Length: 11 meters – Longer fuselage provides room for additional avionics and internal fuel storage.
- Wingspan: 20.5 meters – Expansive wingspan improves lift, allowing for longer flight endurance and enhanced stability.
- Height: 4.1 meters – A higher profile accommodates a larger undercarriage and better ground clearance.
The larger dimensions make the Wing Loong II more versatile in various mission scenarios, from intelligence gathering to precision strikes.
Payload Capacity
Chinese Wing Loong 2 Drone with Payloads pic.twitter.com/VmsABRxpQN
— International Defence Analysis (@Defence_IDA) May 9, 2024
One of the most significant improvements in the Wing Loong II is its increased payload capacity, which allows it to carry a wider range of weapons and sensors simultaneously.
- Maximum take-off weight: 4,200 kg – Supports a full combat load and additional sensor packages without compromising flight stability.
- Payload capacity: 400 kg – Enables the drone to carry multiple weapons, targeting systems, and surveillance equipment.
- Six underwing hardpoints – Designed to accommodate various weapon configurations, including air-to-surface missiles, laser-guided bombs, and electronic warfare pods.
The ability to carry such a diverse payload makes the Wing Loong II an effective multi-role platform.
- Reconnaissance
- Close air support
- Strategic strikes
The combination of high payload capacity and long endurance allows the Wing Loong II to remain on station longer, providing continuous coverage and rapid strike capability when needed.
Propulsion and Performance
Wing Loong II’s propulsion and performance capabilities are among its most defining features, setting it apart in the competitive UAV market.
Designed for long-endurance missions, it combines speed, range, and altitude to deliver a powerful operational presence in reconnaissance and strike roles.
Its engine and aerodynamic design allow it to conduct prolonged missions while maintaining high levels of stability and efficiency.
Engine and Propeller System
A turbocharged engine drives the Wing Loong II, connected to a three-bladed propeller. The configuration enhances thrust and fuel efficiency, ensuring consistent performance during long missions.
The engine’s reliability is key to the aircraft’s extended operational range and high flight endurance.
- Engine Type: Turbocharged piston engine
- Propeller: Three-bladed for improved aerodynamic efficiency
- Fuel Efficiency: Enhanced through optimized engine design
- Noise Reduction: Reduced acoustic signature for improved stealth
Speed and Range
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Capable of reaching a maximum speed of 370 km/h, the Wing Loong II is fast enough to respond quickly to dynamic mission requirements.
Its operational range of 1,500 km allows it to cover significant territory without requiring refueling, making it highly effective for border patrol, maritime surveillance, and rapid response operations.
- Maximum Speed: 370 km/h
- Operational Range: 1,500 km
- Flight Radius: Expands operational flexibility for multiple mission types
Flight Endurance and Altitude
Endurance and altitude are where Wing Loong II excels compared to other UAVs in its class. It can remain airborne for up to 32 hours, allowing for prolonged surveillance, target acquisition, and engagement.
Its service ceiling of 9,900 meters gives it an operational advantage over ground-based threats and radar systems.
- Maximum Flight Endurance: 32 hours
- Service Ceiling: 9,900 meters
- Mission Adaptability: Capable of extended loitering for reconnaissance or precision strikes
Sensors and Avionics
Advanced sensor and avionics technology forms the backbone of modern UAV operations, and the Wing Loong II reflects a highly capable system in this area.
Built for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and strike missions, the Wing Loong II’s sensor suite allows it to gather real-time battlefield intelligence, identify and track targets, and deliver precision strikes with high accuracy.
The combination of long endurance and advanced sensor integration ensures operators maintain tactical control over wide operational areas, even in complex combat environments.
Ongoing concerns over civilians casualties from Nigerian #drone strike, as the Nigerian Air Force keep expanding their drone fleet. Here’s a Chinese-origin Wing Loong-II at Yola Air Base, the latest a new batch of Chinese and Turkish drones deliveredhttps://t.co/mHwUkTAr1i pic.twitter.com/EaF8sDwGIb
— Wim Zwijnenburg (@wammezz) July 3, 2023
Sensor Package
A wide range of sensors equips the Wing Loong II for both day and night missions, enhancing situational awareness and increasing mission flexibility:
| Sensor | Function | Capabilities |
|---|---|---|
| Electro-optical payload pod | Day and infrared cameras | High-quality imaging in all weather and low visibility |
| Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) | Ground mapping and target ID | Detects targets through cloud cover and adverse weather |
| Forward-looking infrared (FLIR) | Identifies heat signatures | Effective in fog, rain, and nighttime; tracks hidden targets |
| Laser designator | Precision targeting for guided weapons | Improves accuracy and reduces collateral damage |
| Satellite communications system | Real-time data transmission | Allows mid-mission adjustments and secure communication |
Avionics
- Flight control system – Computerized flight control allows for autonomous flight and operator-assisted control, improving stability and handling during complex missions.
- Navigation system – A combination of GPS and inertial navigation ensures accurate positioning and course correction during long-endurance flights.
- Electronic warfare (EW) suite – Defensive countermeasures such as radar jamming and signal disruption protect the aircraft from enemy air defenses and electronic interference.
- Automatic target recognition (ATR) – Machine learning and artificial intelligence-based recognition software allow the aircraft to identify and classify targets with minimal human input.
The combination of these systems enables the Wing Loong II to execute a wide range of missions, including:
- Reconnaissance
- Border patrol
- Precision strikes
- Target illumination for allied forces
The integration of advanced avionics and sensor technology makes it a highly effective asset in modern conflict scenarios.
Operational History and Export Success
Wing Loong-II Drone. pic.twitter.com/oiHpsW02uI
— International Defence Analysis (@Defence_IDA) January 7, 2023
Designed to meet modern combat demands, Wing Loong II has proven its value in both domestic and international markets. Its combination of advanced avionics, long endurance, and heavy strike capabilities has made it a preferred choice for militaries seeking reliable UAV solutions.
Successful deployment in real-world combat scenarios and strategic missions has reinforced its reputation as a leading multi-role UAV.
- Chinese Military Operations – Operational since 2018, Wing Loong II has played a crucial role in China’s aerial defense and intelligence-gathering efforts.
- With an order of 300 units, Saudi Arabia has become the largest operator of Wing Loong II outside China.
- Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, and UAE have integrated Wing Loong II into their military strategies, primarily for surveillance and counter-terrorism missions.
- An order for 9 units from Serbia with an option to purchase an additional 15 reflects growing European interest in Chinese UAV technology, according to Aviation Week.
How about combat deployments:
- Wing Loong II has been actively deployed in the Middle East for counter-terrorism and border surveillance.
- First appeared in Taiwan’s ADIZ in October 2023, signaling China’s growing strategic focus on the region.
Wing Loong II’s combat success and strategic utility have strengthened its position in global military markets. Its performance in real-world conflict zones has increased demand for export, driving China’s influence in the UAV market.
The Bottom Line
The Wing Loong II UAV represents a major advancement in Chinese aerospace and military capabilities.
Its combination of long endurance, advanced avionics, and precision strike capabilities makes it a formidable platform for modern warfare.
The aircraft’s success in both domestic and export markets underscores its strategic value.
