- Yes
- No (Explain why)
Suggestion No.64
G’day lads. I want to suggest a…uh…I guess a medium tier helicopter (well, gyrocopter) for China, having, for some reason, quite advanced weapons and sights (considering whatever it is mounted on), which the Shaanxi Baojii Special Vehicles Lie Ying Falcon Gyrocopter has! (The long name doesn’t help it either))))
Description:
Spoiler
The Shaanxi Baojii Special Vehicles Lie Ying Falcon, also referred to as the Hunting Eagle Strike Gyrocopter, is an advanced autogyro developed by the Chinese company Shaanxi Baojii Special Vehicles Manufacturing. Designed primarily for police and military applications, it features a tandem two-seat configuration, an open cockpit, tricycle-style landing gear, and is powered by a Rotax 914 engine in a pusher arrangement. This aircraft integrates a two-bladed rotor system and can reach speeds of up to 180 kilometers per hour, with a payload capacity of 220 kilograms when fully fueled. Based on German autogyro technology, it offers versatility in operation, including a three-seat variant and the capability to carry armaments like anti-tank guided missiles. The Lie Ying Falcon gained significant attention during its appearance in the 2019 China National Day military parade and is popularly nicknamed the “air tricycle” due to its distinctive design.
History:
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This things history begins in the early 2010s, when the Shaanxi Baojii Special Vehicles Manufacturing Company sought to expand beyond its expertise in armored ground vehicles into aerial technology. Drawing heavily on German autogyro designs, the company wanted to create a versatile and cost-effective aircraft that could address both reconnaissance and combat needs.
The prototype of the Lie Ying Falcon made its maiden flight in 2011, where its capability to provide agile and efficient support in various operational scenarios was shown. After its initial testing, it led to further development and refinement, and by 2015, the model had entered production. The aircraft was designed not only for surveillance and reconnaissance but also with the capability to carry weapon systems, such as anti-tank guided missiles, making it a dual-purpose platform for intelligence gathering and offensive missions. A triple seat variant, where it was seen carrying (I assume) 2 AR-2 ATGM’s in 2018.
The Falcon gained a lot of attention during the 2019 China National Day military parade, where a whole lot of them were shown, albeit unarmed.
Armaments:
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4x AR-2 ATGM’s (can have 6 if the 2 front mounted ones are there), with a 8km range. Has a weight of 20kg and a warhead of 5kg.
2 different types of optics
Specifications:
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The Falcon has a main rotor diameter of 8.4m, and therefore has a main rotor area of 55 square meters. It weights 290kg when empty, and has a MTOW of 560kg. There are 2 variants, one having two seats (pilot + gunner?) and one with 3 seats (pilot + gunner and another member?). Powering it is a Rotax 914 engine, generating up to 100hp. This makes it go up to 180km/h, with a cruise speed of 150km/h and has a rate of climb of 2.5m/s.
Sources:
Spoiler
Shaanxi Baojii Special Vehicles Lie Ying Falcon - Wikipedia
China Shows Off Gyrocopters Armed With Anti-Tank Missiles
Shaanxi Baoji Hunting Eagle: Special Purpose Gyrocopter
PLA Air Force news, pics and videos | Page 87 | Sino Defence Forum - China Military Forum
Thanks a lot for reading! If you have any extra information, then feel free to share them in the replies! As always, have a good day :)