A Chinese-made CHILONG 11 (CL-11) VTOL fixed-wing UAV likely belonging to the Libyan National Army has been shot down in Libya, according to photographs released on social media.
The CHILONG 11 (CL-11) VTOL UAV was brought down over Tarhunah, 65 kilometres to the southeast of Tripoli, in the Murqub District.
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Forces of the Government of National Accord (GNA), the United Nations recognized authority in Libya, shot down the CHILONG 11 (CL-11) VTOL UAV using small arms fire and heavy weapons.
According to local sources connected to the GNA, the Chinese-made hybrid UAV was conducting a reconnaissance and surveillance operation before it was destroyed.
YFT-CZ35 VTOL hybrid UAV was designed by SageTown Technologies, a Chinese based drone company. It can be uniquely flown in a vertical take-off mode while its forward-facing propeller pushes the UAV forward.
The UAV has a wing span of 3.6 meters, a payload of 6 kg and a flight time of 3-4 hours.
It is equipped with a gimballed camera system, a GPS transceiver as well as automated flight control.
Unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) are increasingly being used by both sides, in the ongoing civil war in Libya.
On September 24, a Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aerial combat vehicle operating from the Mitiga International Airport, under the control of the United Nations recognized Government of National Accord (GNA); came under attack by UAE-LNA.
In August 2019, another Wing Loong II was shot down by the GNA. This follows a string of other drone shoot downs in the embattled North African nation.