China unveils XS101, a close match to US Switchblade drone
Recently, China showcased the capabilities of its new XS101 cruise missile. However, as noted by the Bulgarian Military online portal, this system seems to mimic the American Switchblade 300. Here's an insight into the specifications of the Chinese model.
7:03 AM EST, November 29, 2023
"One look at the XS101 and its resemblance to the American Switchblade 300 is undeniable," states the Bulgarian Military. The Chinese model shares many similarities with its American counterpart, especially in regards to how drones are launched.
The latest Chinese video demonstrates the precision of the XS101. In a video posted by user Jesus Roman on platform X, the drone can be seen hitting its target after being launched to an altitude of about 15,000 feet. The drone is equipped with a camera that delivers real-time flight data to the operators. This feature enables the pilot to respond promptly and navigate the drone even to moving targets.
Although the camera supports continuous surveillance of the aerial situation post-launch, the XS101 is primarily autonomous. Once a specific target is marked, it adheres to a pre-determined route, requiring minimal crew intervention. However, the pilot can still intervene to adjust the course during unforeseen circumstances.
The Bulgarian Military underscores that this Chinese project reflects Beijing's advancements in developing unmanned aerial systems. Additionally, it's worth noting that China is yet another nation opting to emulate American technology, following in the footsteps of the Russians with the Switchblade.
As far back as September, there was talk of the development of the BAS-80 drone, designed to carry about 1.1 lbs of explosives, but with the capability of up to 4.4 lbs. While the Russian model did differ in certain specifications from the original Switchblade, the developers decided on a drone design virtually identical to it, much like the Chinese XS101.
