Difference between revisions of "Wing Loong I"

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(Adding some description, the "better than none" protection and its history)
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== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''', designated as GJ-1 (攻击-1; attacker-1) in PLAAF service, is a Chinese strike UCAV. It was introduced in [[Update "Drone Age"]].
 
  
−
The first PLAAF UCAV in service and one of the earliest UCAVS from Asia, although having a missile with lesser penetration to USA/Russia counterpart, if utilized properly, it can do sufficient damage to enemy team with high precision; while players has to think twice for when to deploy an UCAV or alternatively deploy fixed-wing jets/rotorcrafts.
+
After seeing the potential of UCAVs (Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles) during the Iraq War that began in 2003, a team of engineers from Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group began development on a prototype of their own for the People's Liberation Army Air Forces. After testing, the team would go on to develop the '''Wing Loong I''' (翼龙-1; Pterosaur-1), designated by the PLAAF as the GJ-1 (攻击-1; attacker-1), which was shown off at the 2010 Zhuhai air show. It has been in service with the PLAAF since the early-2010s and versions have been exported to multiple countries, especially in Asia and the Middle East.
 +
 
 +
Introduced in [[Update "Drone Age"]], the Wing Loong I is not a researchable vehicle; instead, it is accessible in ground battles by players using Chinese vehicles for a cost of 750 spawn points. Players can use the Wing Loong I's missiles effectively against enemy ground targets from long ranges. However, it is to be noted that the high SP cost to spawn a Strike UCAV should be weighed against other available options, such as aircraft and helicopters. It is recommended to only use the Wing Loong I if the player has no other close-air support option or deems the drone's benefits to be worth the high spawn cost.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 
|-
 
|-
−
| < ___ || < ___ || < ___ || > ___
+
| < 200 || < 200 || < 200 || > ___
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
−
To say at least, although UCAVs of the era use composite materials for the airframe, but UCAV themselves are not designed for high-intensity battles and also flies slow in this case; any near misses or a direct hit from cannons or missiles is very likely to send Wing Loong straight back to the ground.
+
The Wing Loong I is unarmoured as it is not designed to confront enemies directly. Therefore, its airframe cannot survive much damage from enemy fire. Be it surface-to-air missiles, air-to-air missiles, aircraft cannon fire or proximity-fused shells, it is recommended to stay away from the battlefield to avoid getting hit at all costs. The Wing Loong I's long wings are prone to damage. A notable benefit that drones have over manned aircraft is that there is no pilot, so one will not "black out" while initiating high G manoeuvres and control will be able to be maintained as long as the airframe is intact.
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
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{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
−
{{main|AKD-9}}
+
{{main|AKD-9|AKD-10}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
  
 
* 2 x AKD-9 missiles
 
* 2 x AKD-9 missiles
 +
* 2 x AKD-10 missiles
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
  
−
Like other available Strike UCAVs in the game, Wing Long I is available to all players playing ground battles and is beneficial to players who have not researched BR appropriate aircraft or helicopters.
+
Like other Strike UCAVs in the game, the Wing Loong I is available to all players playing China in high-tier ground battles and is beneficial to players who lack appropriate close air support aircraft or attack helicopter options in their lineup.
  
−
You start off by spawning at an altitude of 4000 meters above the battlefield. Priority targets should be the enemy SPAA to allow your team's air support to fly without resistance. Enemy SPAAs are usually found stationary at the enemy spawn, though be aware of those moving closer to the frontlines as well. If there are no SPAA around, your next target would be enemy tanks that are near/on the capture points. Once you fire both [[AKD-9]] missiles, you have three options:
+
The Wing Loong I will spawn at 4,000 m above the battlefield. It is recommended to target enemy SPAAs first. Enemy SPAAs are usually sitting stationary at their spawns, though some anti-aircraft vehicles may be positioned closer to the front lines as well. Taking out these vehicles will allow for friendly aircraft and helicopters to obtain air superiority and begin attacking enemy ground targets unhindered. If there are no SPAAs around, the next important targets will be enemy tanks that are on or near the capture points. Once all armament has been expended, a Wing Loong I pilot has three options:
  
−
# '''Loiter over the battlefield and provide reconnaissance:''' Just because you can no longer use your missiles doesn't mean you can't help your team! Fly around the battlefield and scan the area with your amazing optical camera. Once you spot any enemy vehicles that pose a threat to your team, quickly mark them on the map and tell your teammates using the in-game chat (alternatively if you have any squad mates, you can work with them and point out enemies nearby using the squad marker)
+
# '''Recon:''' This involves flying around the battlefield and scanning the area with the Wing Loong I's camera and thermal imager. Enemy ground vehicles across the battlefield can be marked for the team, and enemy heliports and airfields can be monitored for activity.
−
# '''Land and rearm:''' Once the two ATGM's are used, reduce your throttle and glide towards the airbase. Once you land, begin any repairs and necessary rearming so you can take off. It should be worth noting that the UCAVs suffers from a low speed and a horrid climb rate, making the return to base and return to the battlefield incredibly lengthy. In terms of battlefield survival, the drone's altitude is its only saving grace, as helicopters/attack aircraft will generally be at lower altitudes and SPAA's will have no trouble sending a very slow target back to the hangar screen. Consequently, fighting at low altitudes should be regarded as a suicide mission.
+
# '''Rearm:''' A return to the airfield for rearmament. Due to the Wing Loong I's slow speed, it will take a significant amount of time to go to the airfield and then return to battle. Upon approaching the battlefield again, the drone may not be able to climb to an optimal altitude to stay away from enemy air defense. Note that UCAVs cannot resupply at heliports.
−
# '''Bail out of the vehicle and spawn in a more capable vehicle:''' While it feels counterintuitive to bail out of a vehicle that cost 750 spawn points, it is the fastest and best way to get you back into the battle. Using the spawn points you accumulated from the carnage your two missiles scored, you can get enough to spawn another tank, an attack aircraft, or a helicopter. The advantage of this is that you should have cleared the path for you or other pilots to make some damage, as the SPAA's and anti-air threats are no longer there.
+
# '''Respawn:''' Abandoning the drone and spawning in a new helicopter, aircraft or ground vehicle using spawn points collected while attacking ground targets. After neutralizing enemy SPAA, the skies may be clear enough to continue striking from the air. If other types of enemy vehicles have been destroyed, capture points and strategic positions may be clear to enter on the ground.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
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'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* Spawns at altitude (4000 meters)
+
* Spawns at altitude, near the battlefield
−
* Access to two devastating [[AKD-9]] missiles
+
* Excellent stabilized camera with thermal imager
−
* Exceptional optical camera
+
* Decent turn radius
−
* Hard to counter by SPAA
+
* Effective missile armament
−
* Available to everyone to use
+
* Small target for enemy air defense
 +
* No pilot to suffer the effects of high G forces
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Low max speed
+
* Low maximum speed, can take a long time to enter and return to battle
−
* Horrid climb rate
+
* Poor climb rate
−
* Access to only two ATGM's for a price higher than most helicopters and attack aircraft (which can carry more ATGM's)
+
* Some unusual flight characteristics while manoeuvring
−
* A large amount of time will be spent going from spawn to the airfield to rearm and back
+
* Unarmoured fuselage and vulnerable long wings
 +
* No countermeasures
 +
* High SP cost compared to other aircraft options
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
−
Mainland China has been closely observed on different types of UAVs including those which flew and being shot down by PLAAF or those of foreign countries; as Israel and USAF has proved the necessity of deploying UAVs for recon or eliminating ground targets, the development for domestic UCAVs was given the green light at early 2000s with limited resources under the team of Li Yidong (李屹东), whose mother was also a employee of Chengdu Aircraft Corporation.
+
Mainland China has closely observed different types of UCAVs (Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles), especially those which have overflown China or have been shot down by the PLAAF. As the US Air Force and Israel have proved the necessity of deploying UCAVs for recon or eliminating ground targets, the development of domestic UCAVs was given the green light in the early 2000s with limited resources under a team headed by Li Yidong (李屹东) of the Chengdu Aircraft Corporation.
 +
 
 +
Li Yidong's team managed to gather spare parts from gliders and civilian products, such as the brakes from motorcycles, and constructed an early prototype within 2 years. However, doing so meant that the team had to build a new UCAV from scratch with every possible new standard introduced to the production specifications. With 100 orders placed overseas and using new technology developed during the production of the Chengdu J-10, the new Wing Loong UCAV was developed and passed for testing in 2007. Its mock-up was first revealed in the 2010 Zhuhai airshow.
  
−
The team managed to gather spare parts from gliders and civilian products (such as the brakes, from motorcycles) and built an earlier prototype within 2 years; but this also meant the team has to rebuilt a new UCAV from scratch with every possible new standards introduced to the production, with 100 orders overseas overhead and new technologies from J-10's production, the new Wing Loong UCAV passed for tests in 2007 and its mock-up first shown in 2010's Zhuhai Airshow. Eventually introduced to PLAAF in early 2010s and was first shown to the public in 2012's Zhuhai Airshow then 2015's VJ Day parade known as GJ-1 UCAV, countries of Central Asia and Middle East purchased multiple batches of them and they became the cornerstone of Chinese export weapons where they scored multiple victories over insurgents and sometimes even fellow UCAVs, along with CH (彩虹, Rainbow) series UCAV.
+
Eventually, the Wing Loong was introduced to the People's Liberation Army Air Forces in the early 2010s. The production model was first shown to the public in the 2012 Zhuhai airshow, then the 2015 VJ Day parade as GJ-1 UCAV. Countries in Central Asia and the Middle East purchased multiple batches of these drones and they became the cornerstone of Chinese export weapons. The Wing Loong has scored multiple victories over insurgents and sometimes even fellow UCAVs, alongside the CH (彩虹, Rainbow) series developed by the CASC.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
Line 124: Line 131:
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
  
−
* [[Drones]]
+
'''Other Strike UCAVs'''
−
** [[MQ-1]]
+
 
−
** [[Orion]]
+
* [[MQ-1]]
 +
* [[Orion]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
Line 132: Line 140:
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
−
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
  
−
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
+
* [[wikipedia:CAIG_Wing_Loong|[Wikipedia] CAIG Wing Loong]]
−
* ''other literature.''
 
  
 
{{AirManufacturer Chengdu}}
 
{{AirManufacturer Chengdu}}
 
{{Strike UCAVs}}
 
{{Strike UCAVs}}

Latest revision as of 00:18, 11 November 2024

Rank VII | Premium | Golden Eagles
Challenger DS Pack
Wing Loong I
ucav_wing_loong_i.png
GarageImage Wing Loong I.jpg
Wing Loong I
China flag.png China
VII Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
10.7 10.7 10.7
Class:
PREMIUM
Purchase:Bundle or Gift
Show in game

Description

After seeing the potential of UCAVs (Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles) during the Iraq War that began in 2003, a team of engineers from Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group began development on a prototype of their own for the People's Liberation Army Air Forces. After testing, the team would go on to develop the Wing Loong I (翼龙-1; Pterosaur-1), designated by the PLAAF as the GJ-1 (攻击-1; attacker-1), which was shown off at the 2010 Zhuhai air show. It has been in service with the PLAAF since the early-2010s and versions have been exported to multiple countries, especially in Asia and the Middle East.

Introduced in Update "Drone Age", the Wing Loong I is not a researchable vehicle; instead, it is accessible in ground battles by players using Chinese vehicles for a cost of 750 spawn points. Players can use the Wing Loong I's missiles effectively against enemy ground targets from long ranges. However, it is to be noted that the high SP cost to spawn a Strike UCAV should be weighed against other available options, such as aircraft and helicopters. It is recommended to only use the Wing Loong I if the player has no other close-air support option or deems the drone's benefits to be worth the high spawn cost.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 1 000 m220 km/h
Turn time22 s
Max altitude7 500 m
EngineSNECMA Atar 9C
Type
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight1 t
Max speed
(km/h at 1,000 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
220 220 7500 22.0 22.0 2.5 2.5 250

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
X X X X X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
390 450 N/A N/A N/A ~__ ~__
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 200 < 200 < 200 > ___

Survivability and armour

Crew0 people
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear450 km/h

The Wing Loong I is unarmoured as it is not designed to confront enemies directly. Therefore, its airframe cannot survive much damage from enemy fire. Be it surface-to-air missiles, air-to-air missiles, aircraft cannon fire or proximity-fused shells, it is recommended to stay away from the battlefield to avoid getting hit at all costs. The Wing Loong I's long wings are prone to damage. A notable benefit that drones have over manned aircraft is that there is no pilot, so one will not "black out" while initiating high G manoeuvres and control will be able to be maintained as long as the airframe is intact.

Armaments

Suspended armament

Main articles: AKD-9, AKD-10

The Wing Loong I can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • 2 x AKD-9 missiles
  • 2 x AKD-10 missiles

Usage in battles

Like other Strike UCAVs in the game, the Wing Loong I is available to all players playing China in high-tier ground battles and is beneficial to players who lack appropriate close air support aircraft or attack helicopter options in their lineup.

The Wing Loong I will spawn at 4,000 m above the battlefield. It is recommended to target enemy SPAAs first. Enemy SPAAs are usually sitting stationary at their spawns, though some anti-aircraft vehicles may be positioned closer to the front lines as well. Taking out these vehicles will allow for friendly aircraft and helicopters to obtain air superiority and begin attacking enemy ground targets unhindered. If there are no SPAAs around, the next important targets will be enemy tanks that are on or near the capture points. Once all armament has been expended, a Wing Loong I pilot has three options:

  1. Recon: This involves flying around the battlefield and scanning the area with the Wing Loong I's camera and thermal imager. Enemy ground vehicles across the battlefield can be marked for the team, and enemy heliports and airfields can be monitored for activity.
  2. Rearm: A return to the airfield for rearmament. Due to the Wing Loong I's slow speed, it will take a significant amount of time to go to the airfield and then return to battle. Upon approaching the battlefield again, the drone may not be able to climb to an optimal altitude to stay away from enemy air defense. Note that UCAVs cannot resupply at heliports.
  3. Respawn: Abandoning the drone and spawning in a new helicopter, aircraft or ground vehicle using spawn points collected while attacking ground targets. After neutralizing enemy SPAA, the skies may be clear enough to continue striking from the air. If other types of enemy vehicles have been destroyed, capture points and strategic positions may be clear to enter on the ground.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Spawns at altitude, near the battlefield
  • Excellent stabilized camera with thermal imager
  • Decent turn radius
  • Effective missile armament
  • Small target for enemy air defense
  • No pilot to suffer the effects of high G forces

Cons:

  • Low maximum speed, can take a long time to enter and return to battle
  • Poor climb rate
  • Some unusual flight characteristics while manoeuvring
  • Unarmoured fuselage and vulnerable long wings
  • No countermeasures
  • High SP cost compared to other aircraft options

History

Mainland China has closely observed different types of UCAVs (Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles), especially those which have overflown China or have been shot down by the PLAAF. As the US Air Force and Israel have proved the necessity of deploying UCAVs for recon or eliminating ground targets, the development of domestic UCAVs was given the green light in the early 2000s with limited resources under a team headed by Li Yidong (李屹东) of the Chengdu Aircraft Corporation.

Li Yidong's team managed to gather spare parts from gliders and civilian products, such as the brakes from motorcycles, and constructed an early prototype within 2 years. However, doing so meant that the team had to build a new UCAV from scratch with every possible new standard introduced to the production specifications. With 100 orders placed overseas and using new technology developed during the production of the Chengdu J-10, the new Wing Loong UCAV was developed and passed for testing in 2007. Its mock-up was first revealed in the 2010 Zhuhai airshow.

Eventually, the Wing Loong was introduced to the People's Liberation Army Air Forces in the early 2010s. The production model was first shown to the public in the 2012 Zhuhai airshow, then the 2015 VJ Day parade as GJ-1 UCAV. Countries in Central Asia and the Middle East purchased multiple batches of these drones and they became the cornerstone of Chinese export weapons. The Wing Loong has scored multiple victories over insurgents and sometimes even fellow UCAVs, alongside the CH (彩虹, Rainbow) series developed by the CASC.

Media

Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.

See also

Other Strike UCAVs

External links


Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group (中航工业成都飞机工业集团)
Jet Fighters 
J-7  J-7II* · J-7D · J-7E
J-10  J-10A
JF-17  JF-17**
Drones  Wing Loong I
  *Unlicensed and reverse-engineered version of the MiG-21.
  **Jointly developed and built by Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group and Pakistan Aeronautical Complex.
See Also  Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau · Pakistan Aeronautical Complex

Strike UCAVs
USA  MQ-1
USSR  Orion
China  Wing Loong I

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