NCSIST Chien Hsiang
Launcher of Chien hsiang loitering munition
TypeLoitering munition
Place of originTaiwan
Service history
Used byRepublic of China Air Force
Production history
ManufacturerNational Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology
Specifications
Length1,200 mm (47 in)
Width2,000 mm (79 in)
Wingspan2,000 mm (79 in)
PropellantLiquid fuel
Operational
range
1000 km[1]
Maximum speed 185 km/h (115 mph)
Guidance
system
EO, inertial, and anti-radiation homing
Launch
platform
Box launcher
TransportTractor trailer

The NCSIST Chien Hsiang (Taiwanese: kiàm-siông; English "Rising Sword”) is a Taiwanese anti-radiation loitering munition developed and produced by the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology.

Overview

Chien Hsiang loitering munition

The Chien Hsiang is two meters wide, and 1.2 meters long.[2] It has a delta wing and a pusher propeller.[3] The Chien Hsiang has a reported loiter time of 100 hours and a top speed of 185 km/h.[4] They are primarily intended to fill the anti-radiation weapon role targeting enemy radars, transmitters, and associated systems.[3]

While the Chien Hsiang is comparable to the Israeli IAI Harpy, NCSIST has said that any resemblance is purely coincidental and that the platform is entirely indigenous.[5]

A variant with a sensor ball mounted under its nose has been displayed.[3]

History

The Chien Hsiang was first exhibited in 2017 at the Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition.[6] In 2019 the Taiwan Air Force’s Air Defense and Missile Command announced a five year, NT$80b (US$2.54b) project to build up a full force of anti-radiation UAVs.[7]

In 2022, it was reported that Chien Hsiang production was ahead of schedule and initial procurement was expected to be completed by 2024 or 2025.[8]

Launcher

The main Chien Hsiang launch platform is a trailer mounting twelve box launchers.[2] It can also be launched from fixed positions and naval vessels.[9]

Variants

Decoy

Designed to confuse air defenses systems in conjunction with strike Chien Hsiangs.[10]

Anti-ship

Two Chien Hsiang derivatives with larger warheads were displayed in 2023.[10]

See also

References

  1. ^ Trevithick, Joseph. "Rare Look At Taiwan's Chien Hsiang Kamikaze Drone In Action". thedrive.com. The Drive. Retrieved 27 January 2024.
  2. ^ a b Everington, Keoni (21 October 2019). "Taiwan building fleet of Kamikaze drones to counter attack by China". www.taiwannews.com.tw. Taiwan News. Retrieved 21 October 2019.
  3. ^ a b c TREVITHICK, JOSEPH (18 August 2023). "Rare Look At Taiwan's Chien Hsiang Kamikaze Drone In Action". thedrive.com. The Drive. Retrieved 27 August 2023.
  4. ^ Cole, J. Michael (17 August 2017). "Taiwanese Military Unveils New Equipment at Defense Trade Show". Taiwan Sentinel. Retrieved 22 October 2019.
  5. ^ Wong, Kelvin. "TADTE 2019: Taiwan's NCSIST rolls out indigenous anti-radiation loitering munition". www.janes.com. Janes. Retrieved 21 October 2019.
  6. ^ Cole, J. Michael (30 June 2019). "How Taiwan Can Defend Its Coastline Against China". National Interest. Retrieved 22 October 2019.
  7. ^ Liao, George (19 June 2019). "Taiwan military to spend NT$80 billion on anti-radiation drone fleet". Taiwan News. Retrieved 22 October 2019.
  8. ^ Tien-pin, Lo; Chin, Jonathan (4 March 2022). "MND details missile program schedule". taipeitimes.com. Taipei Times. Retrieved 21 April 2022.
  9. ^ HELFRICH, EMMA; ROGOWAY, TYLER (16 November 2022). "Taiwan Shows Off Its Radar-Killing Kamikaze Drones". thedrive.com. The Drive. Retrieved 18 November 2022.
  10. ^ a b DOMINGUEZ, GABRIEL (14 March 2023). "Taking page from Ukraine, Taiwan shows off new killer drones". japantimes.co.jp. Japan Times. Retrieved 14 March 2023.
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