Overview
The Ziyan Blowfish I is marketed with a multi-mission, all-weather capability that is sure to suit many global buyer requirements.
The Ziyan Blowfish I is marketed with a multi-mission, all-weather capability that is sure to suit many global buyer requirements.
History
Detailing the development and operational history of the Ziyan Blowfish Unmanned Helicopter System (UHS). Entry last updated on 9/21/2018. Authored by Staff Writer. Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com.
Detailing the development and operational history of the Ziyan Blowfish Unmanned Helicopter System (UHS). Entry last updated on 9/21/2018. Authored by Staff Writer. Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com.
Ziyan of China has developed a complete family of Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) that includes the "Blowfish I" entry. Blowfish is marketed as a multi-mission platform capable of conducting a plethora of over-battlefields roles and tasks with a helicopter-type toolset in mind. This means critical resupply of forward-operating forces, reconnaissance of enemy positions and direct targeting of enemy elements at range. Additionally, such a system has inherent disaster relief / humanitarian capabilities suitable for Search-And-Rescue (SAR) and related roles.
The platform operates from low-to-medium altitudes and features a three-bladed main rotor overhead working in conjunction with a three-bladed tail rotor unit seated towards port side to counteract torque generated by the main rotor. The fuselage is deep and squat, tapering towards the top as the main rotor unit sits low over it. The undercarriage is simple and low-cost, being a four-point skid arrangement and capable of landing on rough, uneven terrain. The tail stem is short compared to the overall length of the fuselage and houses the drive shaft for the tail rotor unit while sporting vertical surface control planes.
Blowfish I is marketed with an all-weather operational capability and capable of navigating complex terrain types (such as urban settings and mountainous). An autonomous, "single-click" return function is built into the UAV for simply recovery and relaunch. The payload capacity reaches 18 kilograms and mission kits are fitted under the belly for easy access / replacement. An optics/sensor fit is managed at the nose under a transparent aerodynamic dome covering.
Dimensions include an overall length of 1.8 meters, a width of 1.9 meters (rotor included) and a height of 0.6 meters. Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) is 50 kilograms. The helicopter can manage cruising speeds of 90 kmh (145 kmh max) out to a range equal to 60 minutes of flying time. Operating altitudes reach 5,100 meters.
The platform operates from low-to-medium altitudes and features a three-bladed main rotor overhead working in conjunction with a three-bladed tail rotor unit seated towards port side to counteract torque generated by the main rotor. The fuselage is deep and squat, tapering towards the top as the main rotor unit sits low over it. The undercarriage is simple and low-cost, being a four-point skid arrangement and capable of landing on rough, uneven terrain. The tail stem is short compared to the overall length of the fuselage and houses the drive shaft for the tail rotor unit while sporting vertical surface control planes.
Blowfish I is marketed with an all-weather operational capability and capable of navigating complex terrain types (such as urban settings and mountainous). An autonomous, "single-click" return function is built into the UAV for simply recovery and relaunch. The payload capacity reaches 18 kilograms and mission kits are fitted under the belly for easy access / replacement. An optics/sensor fit is managed at the nose under a transparent aerodynamic dome covering.
Dimensions include an overall length of 1.8 meters, a width of 1.9 meters (rotor included) and a height of 0.6 meters. Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) is 50 kilograms. The helicopter can manage cruising speeds of 90 kmh (145 kmh max) out to a range equal to 60 minutes of flying time. Operating altitudes reach 5,100 meters.
Program Updates
September 2018 - It was revealed that the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) of China has taken the Blowfish I UHS into active service.
Specifications
YEAR: 2015
STATUS: Active, In-Service
MANUFACTURER(S): Ziyan UAV - China
PRODUCTION: 25
CREW: 0
LENGTH: 5.91 ft (1.8 m)
WIDTH: 6.23 ft (1.9 m)
HEIGHT: 2.03 ft (0.62 m)
EMPTY WEIGHT: 26 lb (12 kg)
MTOW: 110 lb (50 kg)
POWER: 1 x Engine driving three-bladed main rotor unit and three-bladed tail rotor unit.
SPEED: 90 mph (145 kph; 78 kts)
CEILING: 16,732 feet (5,100 m; 3.17 miles)
RANGE: 62 miles (100 km; 54 nm)
OPERATORS: China
Armament
None.
None.
Variants / Models
• Blowfish - Base Series Name
• Blowfish I
• Blowfish - Base Series Name
• Blowfish I
Our Data Modules allow for quick visual reference when comparing a single entry against contemporary designs. Areas covered include general ratings, speed assessments, and relative ranges based on distances between major cities.
Relative Maximum Speed
Hi: 100mph
Lo: 50mph
This entry's maximum listed speed (90mph).
Graph average of 75 miles-per-hour.
City-to-City Ranges
NYC
LDN
LDN
PAR
PAR
BER
BER
MSK
MSK
TKY
TKY
SYD
SYD
LAX
LAX
NYC
Graph showcases the Ziyan Blowfish's operational range (on internal fuel) when compared to distances between major cities.
Aviation Era
Useful in showcasing the era cross-over of particular aircraft/aerospace designs.
Unit Production (25)
Comm. Market HI*: 44,000 units
Military Market HI**: 36,183 units
25
25
Altitude Visualization
