The AVIC TP500 is an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) designed to ferry cargo-centric payloads over range. It is primarily designed as a "Point A-to-Point B" solution and can cover sorties typically seen throughout both military and civilian (freight, humanitarian) markets with an inherent capability to operate from ships in a ship-to-shore role as well. It is marketed as a low-cost solution, headlined by the China Aviation Industry Design Institute (AVIC) in cooperation with private entity Yitong UAV System Company, Ltd (assembly) - the latter's involvement used to ease development and long-term program costs.
A monoplane wing assembly is fitted low to the sides of the fuselage while the empennage mounts a single vertical tail fin and a single, shared horizontal plane / elevator. The system features an oversized body / fuselage to accommodate various internally-held payloads up to 500 kilograms (1,100lb). The engine is fitted to the front of the design in conventional fashion with the unit driving a three-bladed propeller unit sporting a large spinner at center. Ground-running is managed through a wheeled tricycle arrangement.
The TP500 carries with it all-composite construction, balancing the desired strength with the needed operating weight. Its rated Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) is 1.4 tons, equaling 2,800 lb.
Beyond its freight-handling roles, its designers see a broadened mission set for the UAV that includes Search & Rescue (SAR), airborne communications relay, and survey mapping.
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(OPERATORS list includes past, present, and future operators when applicable)
✓Close-Air Support (CAS)
Developed to operate in close proximity to active ground elements by way of a broad array of air-to-ground ordnance and munitions options.
✓Special-Mission: Search & Rescue (SAR)
Ability to locate and extract personnel from areas of potential harm or peril (i.e. downed airmen in the sea).
✓Intelligence-Surveillance-Reconnaissance (ISR), Scout
Surveil ground targets / target areas to assess environmental threat levels, enemy strength, or enemy movement.
✓Unmanned Capability
Aircraft inherently designed (or later developed) with an unmanned capability to cover a variety of over-battlefield roles.
RADAR-CAPABLE
Houses, or can house (through specialized variants), radar equipment for searching, tracking, and engagement of enemy elements.
RUGGED AIRFRAME
Inherent ability of airframe to take considerable damage.
INTERNAL BAY
Fuselage volume includes space for internally-held weapons or special-mission equipment.
EXTENDED RANGE PERFORMANCE
Capability to travel considerable distances through onboard fuel stores.
MARITIME OPERATION
Ability to operate over ocean in addition to surviving the special rigors of the maritime environment.
ENHANCED ACCESS
Design incorporates feature(s) that facilitates loading / unloading of cargo / personnel from the aircraft.
UNMANNED OPERATION
Design features ability to fly sans pilot, actions controlled onboard through programming and / or ground-based operator.
CAMERA EQUIPMENT
Payload supports photographic equipment providing still and / or real-time image / video results.
Length
36.0 ft (10.97 m)
Width/Span
36.1 ft (11.00 m)
Empty Wgt
1,433 lb (650 kg)
MTOW
2,866 lb (1,300 kg)
Wgt Diff
+1,433 lb (+650 kg)
(Showcased structural values pertain to the base AVIC TP500 production variant)
monoplane / low-mounted / straight
Monoplane
Design utilizes a single primary wing mainplane; this represent the most popular mainplane arrangement.
Low-Mounted
Mainplanes are low-mounted along the sides of the fuselage.
Straight
The planform involves use of basic, straight mainplane members.
(Structural descriptors pertain to the base AVIC TP500 production variant)
Installed:
1 x Engine driving three-bladed propeller in conventional puller/tractor arrangement.
(Showcased performance specifications pertain to the base AVIC TP500 production variant. Performance specifications showcased above are subject to environmental factors as well as aircraft configuration. Estimates are made when Real Data not available. Compare this aircraft entry against any other in our database or View aircraft by powerplant type)
None. Mission set covers cargo transport and other non-direct, over-battlefield combat roles (up to 1,100lb).
Supported Types
(Not all ordnance types may be represented in the showcase above)
Ribbon graphics not necessarily indicative of actual historical campaign ribbons. Ribbons are clickable to their respective aerial campaigns / operations / aviation periods.
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China (possible)
