On Saturday morning of October 10th, 2015, Iraqi Defence Minister Mr. Khaled al-Obeidi visited al-Kut Air Base and oversaw the launch of the first official flight of Iraqi CH-4B drone that will be used against ISIS. Iraq ordered CH-4B UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) to China, probably after the visit of Chinese foreign minister in February 2014. According to Aero Histo sources, the first batch was received on January 23rd, 2015. First pictures of three units were seen in March.
They have already carried out reconnaissance missions from their own air base at al-Kut. The drone squadron is attached to Iraqi Army Aviation, not Iraqi Air Force as usual in others air forces. The pictures below show one CH-4B carrying HJ-10 ATGM (Anti-Tank Guided Missiles), equivalent of the AGM-114 Hellfire. A chineese operator can be seen behind Defence Minister, proof that Iraqi are not yet autonomous in their use. The CH-4 drone is inspired by the MQ-1 Predator and designed by China Aerospace Long March International (ALIT). This UAV is available in two versions: one that can carry a payload of 345 kg, the other of 115 kg.
On the video below, we can see the footage of the first flight of the CH-4B serial "YI-801" with a final shot of HJ-10 missile on a ground target. Four units were spotted, (one on the runway, one on the apron and two others in hangars).
On the video below, we can see the footage of the first flight of the CH-4B serial "YI-801" with a final shot of HJ-10 missile on a ground target. Four units were spotted, (one on the runway, one on the apron and two others in hangars).
Thanks to Green lemon and Babak Taghvaee
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