China tests 570 mph-speeding spy drone aimed at surveillance

China’s CH-7 stealth unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has successfully completed its maiden flight at a Northwest China airfield, marking a significant milestone in the country’s high-altitude reconnaissance drone program. Developed by the 11th Academy of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), the initial flight focused on validating the drone’s aerodynamic design and core control systems, including autonomous taxiing, takeoff, landing, and trajectory tracking. The CH-7 features a tailless, flying-wing layout that enhances endurance and stealth but complicates flight stability and system integration, increasing the technical challenges of early testing. Designed for high-altitude, long-endurance stealth reconnaissance missions, the CH-7 carries advanced sensor payloads such as visible-light and infrared cameras while maintaining a low radar and infrared signature through features like upper-surface air intakes, semi-concealed engine exhaust, radar-absorbing structures, and stealth coatings. Its design supports operations in contested airspace with dense