China develops high-altitude armed unmanned helicopter
China has developed a new “Meyu Arrow” high-altitude unmanned helicopter and confirmed that the aircraft recently completed its first live-fire missile trial at an altitude of above 4,000 meters.
According to China Central Television (CCTV), the “Meyu Arrow” high-altitude unmanned helicopter, developed by Sichuan-based Tengden Technology, is now entering a new phase of flight-test expansion after completing its debut missile launch.
The aircraft has been upgraded for operations in extreme terrain and thin-air environments. CCTV reported: “The domestic ‘Meyu Arrow’ plateau-type unmanned helicopter has completed its first live-fire test, and the next step will be to attempt beyond-line-of-sight control at more than 6,000 meters.”
A flight operator interviewed by state media added that the earlier trial took place at high elevation. “The last test was conducted in an area above 4,000 meters, carrying two missiles for both moving and fixed targets,” the operator said. “The next step will be a test at more than 6,000 meters using satellite communications for beyond-line-of-sight control.”
Tengden’s technical data shows the unmanned helicopter measures 7.87 meters in total length and has a rotor diameter of 6.4 meters. The company says the platform has a maximum endurance of eight hours, a range of 900 kilometers, and an operating ceiling of 7,000 meters.
Tengden previously disclosed that in late 2021 the aircraft achieved a speed of 135 km/h at 6,500 meters, expanding its speed envelope by 36 km/h. During descent, it reached a true airspeed of 178 km/h at 4,500 meters while retaining reserve power. The company stated these flight parameters demonstrated the drone’s ability to maintain control authority in strong winds and thin air.
The helicopter is designed for reconnaissance-strike missions, armed escort, and precision targeting in mountainous regions where fixed-wing drones may face operational limits. Its vertical takeoff capability allows it to operate from narrow valley landing zones, temporary pads, or elevated positions inaccessible to crewed aircraft.
The “Meyu Arrow” helicopter fills a niche within China’s unmanned inventory by combining rotary-wing maneuverability with armed precision strike capability in extreme terrain. Operating from 6,000 meters using satellite communications would mark an expansion into beyond-line-of-sight employment profiles typically reserved for larger fixed-wing drones.
High-altitude strike platforms are valuable for border regions, plateau zones, and contested mountain corridors along India.
