Larger than most UAVs, the WZ-7 features a tandem, joined-wing design, which allows for a more rigid, less flexible wing than other configurations, with benefits said to include an increased lift-to-drag ratio and less complex flight controls than a HALE UAV with a conventional wing.[9][5][4] The air intake for the engine is mounted atop the fuselage, with the engine itself mounted in the rear of the aircraft.[5] The prototype aircraft is powered by a Guizhou WP-13turbojet engine, a copy of the Soviet Tumansky R-13; it is anticipated that an improved engine will be installed in production aircraft.[5][10]
The operational WZ-7 has a significantly modified shape. The single vertical tail on the prototype was changed to a pair of canted tails.[11] A turbofan engine was installed on the production model.[6] Due to the different engine and aerodynamics, the endurance of the production model is unknown. The aircraft could cruise significantly longer[12] than the 10 hours advertised for the prototype.[11]
On 15 December 2022, it was reported that China had allegedly deployed WZ-7 UAVs near the Indian border in Tibet.[15]
On 26 March 2024, a China People's Liberation Army (PLA) WZ-7 high-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) undertook flight maneuvers over the Sea of Japan.[12]
Based on satellite images, the WZ-7 likely began its deployment over the South China Sea in 2022. On 18 April 2024, the WZ-7 was observed flying over the West Philippine Sea, the southeast section of the South China Sea. The drone was likely monitoring the deployment of the Typhon missile launcher by the United States on Luzon.[16]
