ChangKong-1

Developed by Nanjing Institute of Aeronautics and first flown in 1966, the ChangKong-1 (CK-1) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is a reverse-engineered version of the Soviet Lavochkin La-17C radio-controlled subsonic target drone. The UAV entered service with the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) in the late 1970s, and has been used for target drone and nuclear air sampling missions.

Variants

• CK-1: basic variant target drone
• CK-1A: nuclear radiation sampling variant
• CK-1B: low altitude drone, used in assessing air defense systems
• CK-1C: high manoeuvrability drone, used in assessing air-to-air and attack aircraft
• CK-1E: ultra-low altitude drone

General characteristics

• Primary Function: target drone, nuclear radiation sampling
• Developer: Nanjing Institute of Aeronautics
• Power plant: One Wopen WP-6 turbojet, rated at 24.5 kN
• Length: 8.435 m
• Height: 2.955 m
• Weight: Empty 2,000 - 2,500 kg; Fuel 600 - 840 kg
• Wingspan: 7.5 m
• Speed: 850 - 900 km/h
• Range: 600 km
• Flight endurance: 70 min (low level); or 45 - 60 min (high level)
• Service ceiling: 10,000 - 18,000 m
• Operational altitude: 500 - 5000 m
• Fuel Capacity: 820 l
• Mission equipment: passive radar reflectors, light reflecting missiles, infrared equipment pods