India and China Moves Troops Along Border
Something unexpected has been happening on the Line of Actual Control in the border between India and Tibet, for the past four weeks. On 10 May, the Indian media telecast the news about border tension between Indian and Chinese soldiers on the north bank of Pangong Tso on the night of 5-6 May and at NakuLa in north Sikkim on 9 May. From that reports have emerged about encroachment and face-off in the Galwan River, on the north bank of Pangong Tso, and possibly at Hot Springs in Chang Chenmo River valley, and at Demchok. Mirror deployment has been administrated by each sides with additional troops, and reserves are positioned to cater for any escalation. There also are reports of increased helicopter activity and "one-off" deterrent fighter mission by India.
Tibetan Plateau
It is the world's highest and largest plateau, with an area of 2,500,000 square kilometres. With an average elevation exceeding 4,500 metres (14,800ft) and beings surrounded by imposing mountain ranges that harbor the world's two highest summits,Mount Everest and K2, the Tibetan Plateau is often mentioned as “the Roof of the World”. It is sometimes termed the Third Pole given its ice fields contain the most important reserve of fresh water outside the polar regions.
Main Mission of AR500C
According to an AVIC statement Its main missions include reconnaissance and communication relay. It can be equipped with electronic disruption, target indication, fire strike, cargo delivery and nuclear radiation and chemical contamination reconnaissance.
Capability of Unmanned Helicopter, AR500C
As China's first unmanned helicopter designed to fly in plateau areas, the AR500C can take off at an elevation of 5,000 meters and has a ceiling of 6,700 meters. It has an endurance of five hours, maximum speed of 170 kilo meters an hour and a maximum take off weight of 500 kilogram. Highly digitalized and intelligent, it can take off, land and hover automatically and is installed with a number of advanced flight programs for efficient and safe flights.
Technology director at AVIC's helicopter Branch
Fang Yonghong, technology director at AVIC's helicopter branch, said on CCTV "We utilize advanced aerodynamic design for the rotors. Since the engine power of drop significantly on plateaus, we use China's most advanced engine." He told that unmanned helicopter can be easily controlled via a keyboard and a screen.
Comparison to a Traditional Fixed-wing Drone
Chinese air defence expert FU Qianshaosays said that “Compared to a traditional fixed-wing drone, a drone helicopter does not require a large airstrip with long runways, making it more flexible to deploy”. Traditional aircraft wont fly easily in plateau region because of low density of air on plateaus usually makes it difficult for aircraft to fly.
According to Experts
An unmanned helicopter like the AR500C can help in missions in the high elevation border areas if commissioned into the Chinese military in the future, as it can keep a watchful eye on the skies for extended periods and patrol locations that are difficult for infantry troops to reach on foot.
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