Zhuhai Airshow 2024

China unveils FX800A: Anti-tank drone with rocket-boosted launch​

Nov 14, 2024
The Sky Saker FX800A – the new Chinese strike drone that caught everyone’s attention at the Zhuhai Airshow – is one of the most advanced examples of progress in military unmanned aviation. Manufactured by the Chinese corporation NORINCO, this drone showcases the latest advancements in aerospace engineering and promises significant changes in modern aerial warfare.

China unveils FX800A: Anti-tank drone with rocket-boosted launch


Photo credit: Chinese Internet

With its complex aerodynamic shapes, integrated weapon systems, and advanced reconnaissance capabilities, the Sky Saker FX800A expands the range of China’s military industry, demonstrating how China is gradually taking a leading role in the world of unmanned combat systems.

The Sky Saker FX800A is designed to provide a strategic advantage in combat operations by combining multiple functions into a single platform – reconnaissance, surveillance, and strikes with precision-guided weapons. Its structure resembles the classic precursors of strike drones, with long wings and a vertically placed tail fin, which allows for more stable flight and maneuverability at high speeds and during prolonged missions.

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First and foremost, the drone’s design is optimized for longevity and efficiency in real-time tasks. The FX800A’s body is aerodynamically shaped, with smooth lines and a minimal number of external components, reducing air resistance and improving fuel efficiency. This enables the Sky Saker FX800A to fly for longer durations during patrol missions or perform reconnaissance tasks with minimal fuel usage.


One of the drone’s key innovations is its modular weapon system. At the exhibition, it was displayed with cruise missiles and guided projectiles, demonstrating its capability to deliver strikes from a distance. In the provided image from the exhibition, we can see a model of the Blue Arrow 7 guided projectile, which is specifically designed for attacking both moving and stationary ground targets. This weapon allows the FX800A to neutralize enemy forces from long ranges with minimal risk to the drone itself, which is critical in high-threat situations or complex combat conditions.

The Sky Saker FX800A is also equipped with a range of sensors and reconnaissance devices. It uses high-sensitivity cameras with long-range capabilities, infrared sensors for night surveillance, and laser targeting systems, enabling it to conduct missions under any conditions.

These surveillance systems make it exceptionally useful for reconnaissance and territorial control where constant monitoring is required. The Sky Saker FX800A can transmit real-time information to operational centers, allowing commanders to respond swiftly and coordinate the actions of ground forces.

The tactical advantage of the Sky Saker FX800A in combat conditions is hard to underestimate. This drone is ideal for border control missions, where it can fly for extended periods, monitoring the movements of potential intruders or enemies. At the same time, it is suitable for counterterrorism and operational cover missions, where discretion and the ability to deliver precise strikes are of utmost importance.


The operational capabilities of the Sky Saker FX800A are impressive even in larger-scale combat operations. It can be used as part of coordinated strikes against enemy targets, where information gathered by its sensors is used to accurately guide strikes from other combat platforms.

China unveils FX800A: Anti-tank drone with rocket-boosted launch


Photo credit: X

In situations of intense combat, the Sky Saker FX800A can also serve as an “artillery hunter” – using its sensors to locate enemy artillery positions or missile launchers and transmitting these coordinates for subsequent strikes.

Compared to other drones in its class, the Chinese machine has several significant advantages. With a strong focus on multifunctionality, this drone combines reconnaissance and strike capabilities, which are often lacking in similar drones. It provides its operators with the ability to gather detailed intelligence and, when necessary, deliver precise strikes without requiring support from other platforms.


Photos show dual tubes mounted under each wing of the Sky Saker FX800A, which appear to be intended for launching anti-tank missiles. This weapon solution significantly expands the drone’s capabilities, allowing it to perform anti-tank and anti-armor missions, making it much more versatile and effective in combat operations. Let’s look at how the presence of these anti-tank missiles enhances the drone’s operational and tactical capabilities.

Firstly, the ability to carry anti-tank missiles gives the Sky Saker FX800A the capability to destroy enemy armored vehicles, making it extremely useful in ground operations. Anti-tank missiles are typically high-precision weapons capable of striking targets with minimal ammo expenditure and little risk of collateral damage.

In this case, the presence of two sets of dual tubes under the wings allows the FX800A to carry at least four of these missiles, giving it greater firepower for longer missions or for eliminating multiple targets in a single operation.

The anti-tank missiles the Sky Saker FX800A is likely to use probably have significant range and the ability to penetrate heavy armor. This allows it to neutralize enemy armored vehicles from a safe distance without exposing itself to risks from anti-aircraft fire or other countermeasures. This way, the FX800A can support ground forces by eliminating threats before enemy forces reach allied positions, ensuring a safer environment for the advance.


China unveils FX800A: Anti-tank drone with rocket-boosted launch


Photo credit: X

In combat situations, the ability to carry anti-tank missiles means the Sky Saker FX800A can effectively perform air support for ground forces. During operations where enemy tanks and armored vehicles are expected, the drone can be used to strike these targets before ground troops come within range.

This significantly reduces the burden on ground forces and minimizes their risk. In other words, the Sky Saker FX800A can act as an “armor hunter,” helping neutralize enemy vehicles and gain an advantage in the fight.

The presence of anti-tank missiles also provides tactical flexibility for performing a variety of missions. The Sky Saker FX800A can be used for both strikes against armored vehicles and for reconnaissance and surveillance missions, and when needed – for strikes against light or unprotected targets.

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This means that operators can adapt the drone’s mission in real-time, depending on the progression of combat events and the tactical requirements on the ground. If the situation changes, the drone can switch from reconnaissance to direct strikes on critical targets without needing to return for reloading or reconfiguring its weaponry.

The presence of anti-tank missiles also enhances the drone’s self-defense capabilities. If the Sky Saker FX800A is approached by enemy ground forces or pursued by mobile armored units, operators can use the missiles to neutralize immediate threats. This is particularly useful in operations where the drone enters dangerous zones and might be intercepted by enemy patrols or combat machines.

The Sky Saker FX800A is a testament to China’s ambitions in modern military technology. This drone represents the culmination of years of investment and research in unmanned platforms. The high-tech components used in it, along with attention to detail in its design, highlight China’s ambition to establish itself as a leading power in military aviation.

The ability to produce such drones in large quantities also suggests that the Sky Saker FX800A may become a key component of China’s military forces, especially in the need for rapid mobilization in crisis areas.

According to Chinese sources, this unmanned aircraft offers an innovative approach to takeoff and landing, providing significant operational flexibility. In a combat environment where reaction time, mobility, and adaptability are critical, the methods used by the FX800A stand out as cutting-edge for modern unmanned aerial systems.

One of the most interesting aspects of the FX800A is its ability to use a “rolling method” for takeoff and landing. This method is typical of traditional aircraft, where the drone uses wheels and a short runway or flat surface for smooth takeoff and landing. This is an effective method that minimizes wear on the takeoff and landing systems while also providing greater precision during takeoff.

In combat or long-range reconnaissance missions, the ability to perform standard rolling ensures a quick and efficient transition to operational readiness, especially when using improvised runways near the frontlines.

However, the most impressive feature of this drone is its adaptability to different tactical situations with the option for “rocket-assisted launch + parachute airbag recovery.” This method is especially useful in areas where no available or suitable runway is present for takeoff and landing or when the mission is being conducted in inaccessible zones.

Rocket-assisted launch allows the FX800A to take off vertically or at a steep angle using auxiliary rockets that provide an initial thrust to lift off the ground. This is ideal for rapid deployments and operations from improvised locations such as combat ships, mobile platforms, or even heavy-duty trucks.

Landing using an airbag and parachute is another key feature of this drone that makes it highly versatile and suitable for operations across various terrains. In this method, the drone ascends to a safe height, releasing a parachute for controlled speed reduction.

Meanwhile, the airbag deploys just before touchdown to soften the landing. This is the perfect tactic for combat operations in difficult-to-reach areas – such as mountainous terrain, forests, or deserts – where traditional landings are ineffective or impossible.

This landing method has several strategic advantages. First, it protects the drone from damage during landing, allowing for a quick return to operation. This is particularly valuable in combat conditions where the need for rapid re-equipment and readiness for the next mission is critical.

Additionally, the parachute recovery reduces the need for specific infrastructure at the landing site, making the FX800A exceptionally maneuverable and easy to deploy on various combat fronts.

The combination of these two different takeoff and landing methods makes the Sky Saker FX800A an excellent choice for various military missions. Under normal conditions, it can use a runway for takeoff and landing, saving time and resources. However, when the mission requires, the FX800A can be deployed from restricted spaces, as the rocket-assisted launch and parachute landing ensure the drone will complete its mission regardless of terrain or circumstances.

These tactical advantages significantly enhance the mobility and flexibility of China’s military forces, providing them with an edge in operations that require rapid deployment in complex and unpredictable conditions.

In conclusion, the Sky Saker FX800A is not just a new drone model – it is an example of how modern unmanned technology can change the face of warfare. With its endurance, firepower, and reconnaissance capabilities, this drone presents new opportunities for military operations, providing strategic value on the battlefield. As China continues to advance its military technology, drones like the Sky Saker FX800A are poised to play a central role in shaping the future of warfare.

 
[cp] # China Airshow#
Shao Yigu visited the Zhuhai Air Show.
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