Question:Wing Loong-2 is recently in news. It is –
(a)a long-range surface to air missile (SAM)
(b)a MALE unmanned aerial vehicle
(c)missile defence system developed by China
(d)an Anti-tank missile
Answer:(b)
Related facts:
- Wing loong-2 also known as (Yilong / Pterodactyl) is a medium-altitude long-endurance(MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed by Chengdu Aircraft Design Institute, China.
- Recently Pakistan has planned to procure 48 drones (Wing Loong-2) from China, which could be largest export order for drones by China.
- It has a length of 11 meters and a wingspan of 20.5 meters, the Wing Loong- 2 can carry bombs and air to surface missiles.
- It has a maximum speed of 370 km per hour. It can fly approximately 20,000 feet above the ground and up to 4000 km.
- DRDO has also developed a medium-altitude long-endurance(MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) named Rustom.
- It does the work of surveillance and reconnaissance only contrary to wing loong which also carries ammunitions up to 480 kg.
- However, India which currently does not have armed drones, signed a deal worth $5.43 billion with Russia for the S-400 air defence system last week. The system can engage all types of aerial targets, including drones, within a range of 400 km.
Links:
https://indianexpress.com/article/what-is/what-is-rustom-ii-drone-5077614/
https://www.airforce-technology.com/news/sweden-gripen-c-d-bulgarian-air-force/