China’s Jiutian drone is emerging as a major player in the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) sector, thanks to its cutting-edge jet propulsion system and turbofan engine. This advanced technology gives the Jiutian a significant advantage over traditional propeller-driven drones in both speed and payload capacity. Compared with America’s latest long-range UAVs, the Jiutian’s capabilities are impressive. The U.S. MQ-9 Reaper has a maximum takeoff weight of about 11,023 lbs (5 tons), while the Air Force’s RQ-4B Global Hawk weighs roughly 32,250 lbs (14.6 tons). In contrast, the Jiutian boasts a maximum takeoff weight of 35,274 lbs (16 tons). Moreover, the Chinese drone features eight external attachment points, positioning it as a formidable aerial arsenal.
The Jiutian’s most striking feature is its ability to serve as a mothership for over 100 smaller drones while airborne.
This capability has earned it the nickname airborne aircraft carrier.
Beyond its carrier role, the Jiutian functions as a command and control center for its drone fleet, leveraging artificial intelligence to orchestrate complex, coordinated attacks.
Key Specifications
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