© EPA / LUKAS COCH At a distance of 50 meters, the system was able to hit the target 19 times out of 20.
China has presented a specialized military UAV designed for particular operations, showcasing remarkable precision in recent evaluations. As reported by the South China Morning Post, the drone discharged 20 rounds from a typical assault weapon, with each projectile striking a human-sized objective.
Information reveals that the firing took place from a hovering position at an elevation of 10 meters. The objective was situated 100 meters away, represented by a 50×50 cm board. It is additionally mentioned that of the 20 successful hits, half landed within an 11 cm radius – a degree of precision comparable to a shot to the head. At a range of 50 meters, the mechanism successfully struck the objective 19 out of 20 attempts.
The publication indicates that the experimental UAV was developed by experts from Wuhan Guide Infrared enterprise in collaboration with the Special Operations Academy of the Chinese People's Liberation Army. In contrast to earlier versions that utilized custom-built or altered weaponry, this mechanism employed a regular rifle, such as those utilized by standard infantry personnel.
The investigation has highlighted a notable advance toward functional, battle-ready technology, encompassing enhanced stabilization, more sophisticated guidance algorithms, and integrated fire control for small aerial platforms.
Chief engineer Jiang Huajian's team allegedly revamped the mounting system to securely fasten the rifle and optical sensor together, minimizing mechanical deviation between the aiming lens and the firearm during airborne operation.
The researchers conceived software that modifies the firing trajectory according to distance, anticipated wind conditions, and the drone’s aerial placement. The team is said to have performed extensive computational simulations to optimize the software, which more than doubled the theoretical precision of the strike, escalating it from slightly over 40% to nearly 100%. Nonetheless, the present mechanism is configured solely for individual shots, not sustained firing. This could pose a challenge in confrontations with adversaries.
As a reminder, in the concluding period of 2025, China conducted the inaugural voyage of the Jiutian SS-UAV, recognized as the world’s most expansive. It was unveiled to the populace initially in 2024 at the Zhuhai Air Show, and currently, the novel UAV is undergoing preparations for field assessments before its integration into the arsenal.