On Saturday 10th October 2015, Iraqi Defence Minister Mr Khaled al-Obeidi Khalid al-Obaidi arrived at Kut Airbase to observe the successful launching of the CH-4B combat drone which Iraq has bought from China.
There are two versions, the CH-4A and CH-4B. The CH-4A is a reconnaissance drone (capable of a 3500-5000 km range and a 30-40 hour endurance) while the CH-4B is a mixed attack and reconnaissance system with provision for 6 weapons and a payload of up to 345 kg. Maximum takeoff weight is 1,330 to 1,350kg.

Above: The CH-4B drone.
Copyright Iraqi Ministry of Defense
Fuel capacity is 165kg and payload is 345kg. Cruise speed is 150 to 180km/h, while maximum speed is 235km/h. Range is of around 200-250km, and endurance can vary between 30 hours (unarmed) and 14 hours (armed). The service ceiling is 7,500m.
Armament CH-4: Four external hard points (under the wings) capable of operating Lan Jian 7 (Blue Arrow 7) laser-guided air-to-surface missiles; LT series precision guided bombs; TG100 laser/INS/GPS-guided bomb.
TARMAC Aerosave, Europe’s leading specialist in aircraft storage, maintenance, dismantling and recycling, has announced an expanded collaboration with AerFin, the global aviation asset‑managemen...
flydubai unveiled the launch of its dedicated freighter operations, a dynamic expansion that advances the airline’s diversification strategy and further elevates Dubai’s standing as a glob...
Global Jet Capital has released its sixth annual Business Jet Market Forecast, outlining a confident outlook for the sector. The updated analysis anticipates steady expansion over the next five years,...
As the 10th edition of the Riga Aviation Forum was getting ready to open, 50SkyShades — a long‑standing Media Partner of the event — took the opportunity to sit down with Zigmars Vestfals,...