Nanbin W.59

The Nanbin W.59 is a, (UCAV) built by the Nanbin Aircraft Corporation. The W.59 is a larger, heavier, and more capable aircraft than the earlier Nanbin W.54; it can be controlled by the same ground systems used to control W.54s. The W.59 has a more powerful engine compared to the W.54's 75 kW (101 hp) air-cooled horizontally-opposed piston engine. The greater power allows the new design to carry a larger payload and cruise at higher speeds than it predecessor. The Nanbin W.59 is a and aerial  platform, the W.59 is capable of being fitted with air-to-surface weapons to provide aerial fire support and precision targeting support for ground forces. It is capable of carrying a multispectral surveillance payload and/or.

Design and development
The Nanbin W.59 is a single-engine, multi-mission, high-altitude, medium-range, uninhabited tactical drone aircraft. This is an unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV). During the development of the Nanbin W.54 the Army and Navy sought greater range and endurance as well as higher payload and armed variants of the platform led to the Nanbin W.59. The Nanbin W.59 features increased engine power and thrust over the W.54 which gives the aircraft better flight performance and speed. The W.59 is larger and offer greater load capacity. The first prototype made its maiden flight on 23 December 2018. The second flew on 21 May 2019. The Nanbin W.59 has been put into service with the Kodeshi Army and Navy. The Nanbin W.59 is the replacement for the Nanbin W.54 UCAVs currently in service with both military branches.

Nanbin W.59, is a very agile, stealthy, and powerful attack drone capable of conducting intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), precision strike, and close air support missions. It can be operated at a higher altitude than current drones, allowing it to observe areas at higher altitudes without being detected or intercepted by enemy forces. It can be equipped with air-to-surface missiles to provide air support to ground troops, it can also carry air-to-air weapons to destroy targets like fighter jets, helicopters, or bombers. The W.59 is expected to enter mass production before the end of 2022.

Kodeshia
In February 2021 the Kodeshi Imperial Army introduced the W.59 into their service with a total of eight units delivered. On 24 June 2022 the W.59 was introduced into the Kodeshi Imperial Navy's service. The Kodeshi Imperial Navy began large scale operational use of the the type with a total of 32 W.59s on order. The W.59s were deployed in numerous roles including airborne early warning, ISR, long range patrol and close air support. As of May 2022 6 W.59s have been delivered to the Kodeshi Imperial Navy.

Prototype Models

 * Nanbin W.59YM
 * F = 原型; Yuánxíng ("Prototype"), M = 模型; Móxíng ("Model")
 * Prototype version, two built.

Production Models

 * Nanbin W.59QZG
 * Q = 轻型; Qīngxíng ("Light"), Z = 侦察; Zhēnchá ("Reconnaissance"), G = 搜救; Gōngjí ("Attack")
 * Current production variant with avionics, datalinks, and countermeasures, and strike and combat abilities. Operates as a reconnaissance and light attack tactical combat drone for the Imperial Kodeshi Air Force, eight built and further types on order.


 * Nanbin W.59QFS
 * Q = 轻型; Qīngxíng ("Light"), F = 反潜战; Fǎnqián zhàn ("Antisubmarine Warfare"), S = 搜救; Sōujiù ("Search & Rescue")
 * Current production naval variant operates as a light ASW and SAR tiltrotor for the Imperial Kodeshi Navy, six built and further types on order.

Operators
 Kodeshia
 * Imperial Kodeshi Army: has operated W.59s since 2021. The IKAF has eight W.59QZ in service but more on order.
 * Imperial Kodeshi Navy: has operated W.59s since 2022. The IKAF has six W.59QZ in service but more on order.