| NCSIST Chien Hsiang | |
|---|---|
 Launcher of Chien hsiang loitering munition | |
| Type | Loitering munition |
| Place of origin | Taiwan |
| Service history | |
| Used by | Republic of China Air Force |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 1,200 mm (47 in) |
| Width | 2,000 mm (79 in) |
| Wingspan | 2,000 mm (79 in) |
| Propellant | Liquid fuel |
| Operational range | 1000 km |
| Maximum speed | 185 km/h (115 mph) |
| Guidance system | EO, inertial, and anti-radiation homing |
| Launch platform | Box launcher |
| Transport | Tractor 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
The Chien Hsiang is 1.2 meters long and has a wingspan of 2 meters. It has a delta wing and a pusher propeller. The Chien Hsiang has a reported loiter time of 100 hours and a top speed of 185 km/h. They are primarily intended to fill the anti-radiation weapon role targeting enemy radars, transmitters, and associated systems.
While the Chien Hsiang is comparable to the Israeli IAI Harpy, NCSIST has said that any resemblance is coincidental and that the platform is entirely indigenous.
A variant with a sensor ball mounted under its nose has been displayed.
History
The Chien Hsiang was first exhibited in 2017 at the Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition. 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.
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.
Launcher
The main Chien Hsiang launch platform is a trailer mounting twelve box launchers. It can also be launched from fixed positions and naval vessels.
Variants
Decoy
Designed to confuse air defenses systems in conjunction with strike Chien Hsiangs.
Anti-ship
Two Chien Hsiang derivatives with larger warheads were displayed in 2023.
See also
References
- Trevithick, Joseph. "Rare Look At Taiwan's Chien Hsiang Kamikaze Drone In Action". thedrive.com. The Drive. Retrieved 27 January 2024.
- ^ 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.
- ^ TREVITHICK, JOSEPH (18 August 2023). "Rare Look At Taiwan's Chien Hsiang Kamikaze Drone In Action". thedrive.com. The Drive. Retrieved 27 August 2023.
- Cole, J. Michael (17 August 2017). "Taiwanese Military Unveils New Equipment at Defense Trade Show". Taiwan Sentinel. Retrieved 22 October 2019.
- Wong, Kelvin. "TADTE 2019: Taiwan's NCSIST rolls out indigenous anti-radiation loitering munition". www.janes.com. Janes. Retrieved 21 October 2019.
- Cole, J. Michael (30 June 2019). "How Taiwan Can Defend Its Coastline Against China". National Interest. Retrieved 22 October 2019.
- Liao, George (19 June 2019). "Taiwan military to spend NT$80 billion on anti-radiation drone fleet". Taiwan News. Retrieved 22 October 2019.
- Tien-pin, Lo; Chin, Jonathan (4 March 2022). "MND details missile program schedule". taipeitimes.com. Taipei Times. Retrieved 21 April 2022.
- HELFRICH, EMMA; ROGOWAY, TYLER (16 November 2022). "Taiwan Shows Off Its Radar-Killing Kamikaze Drones". thedrive.com. The Drive. Retrieved 18 November 2022.
- ^ DOMINGUEZ, GABRIEL (14 March 2023). "Taking page from Ukraine, Taiwan shows off new killer drones". japantimes.co.jp. Japan Times. Retrieved 14 March 2023.
| National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) aircraft | |
|---|---|
| Fixed-wing aircraft | |
| Missiles | |
| Radars | |