Beijing: China's new high-altitude, high-speed, stealth long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle, the CH-7, has successfully completed its first flight in northwest China. This event marks a key milestone in the program.

According to Anadolu Agency, the drone, also known as Caihong-7, meaning Rainbow-7, was previously unveiled at the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in 2024 in the southern city of Zhuhai. The state-run CGTN reported the news on Monday.

The CH-7 features an advanced flying-wing aerodynamic design with a high aspect ratio. It is capable of carrying a range of mission payloads, including electro-optical and infrared systems. The UAV is designed for long endurance, high operating altitude, and fast cruising speed, intended to support ground surveillance, data collection, and other complex missions.

Future tests of the CH-7 will focus on expanding its flight envelope and verifying the performance of onboard payload systems. The successful first flight represents a significant step forward for China's aerospace capabilities.