Airshow China: CAIC unveils armed variant of its AV500 UAV.

With its conventional layout with a pair of skids as landing gear, the AV500W globally shares the same design that the other members of the AV family. An armed UAV, the A500W incorporates reinforced landing gear, as well as two pylons. Each pylons can carry up to two weapons.

It also features a sensor ball for surveillance and targeting tasks. According to CAIC, the A500W is equipped with semi-active laser guidance system.

The AV500W has a maximum take-off weight of 470 kg. It features an endurance of 8h in ISR mode and 4h in reconnaissance and attack mode. The drone has a service ceiling of 4,000m. The AV500W in 7.2 m long and 2.4 m high.

The AV500 family is based on the experience gained from U8E, and it is named as its maximum take-off weight of 500 kg. Like U8E, AV-500 is also an unmanned helicopter in conventional layout with a pair of skids as landing gear.