R500CJ unmanned helicopter spotted on a Type075 Amphibious Landing Helicopter Dock LHD.

The AR500CJ is credited as one of China’s first unmanned military helicopters (link), though it also has clear civilian applications, and its debut attracted media attention (link). It was one display at the September 3rd 2025 parade as well.  Seeing the platform deployed aboard an Amphibious Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) in full PLAN livery represents a logical next step in its development.

The PLAN has been explicit about its vision for unmanned warfare: full integration of unmanned systems across its entire table of organization and equipment. With that stated goal in mind, it’s reasonable to expect a growing presence of unmanned assets across the fleet in the near future.

 

Spec of the standard AR500C variant (source) notthe  CJ variant

 AR-500 Unmanned Helicopter — Key Specifications

    Dimensions

        Length: 7.3 m

        Height: 2.42 m

        Width: 1.6 m

    Performance

        Maximum takeoff weight: 450 kg

        Maximum level‑flight speed: 170 km/h

        Maximum cruising speed: 160 km/h

        Endurance: 6–7 hours

    Airframe & Structure

        Modular design

        Welded metal main frame

        Full‑composite material skin

        Skid‑type landing gear

        High‑mounted horizontal tail

    Rotor System

        Twin‑blade, single‑rotor configuration

        Composite rotor blades

        Main rotor diameter: 6.27 m
 

 

A new remote controlled weapon system now in service

One thing about observing the PLA is that, at times, new weapon systems enter service with surprisingly little attention. Take their latest remote‑controlled weapon station, for example. It’s quietly replacing the older 12.7 mm HMG mounts on many APCs and artillery observation vehicles, yet most observers barely notice.

LB16 3512 translates into 5th Company, 3rd Battalion, 204th Heavy Armored Combined-Arms Brigade, 78th Group Army, Northern Theater Command 

 

 

 

QBZ-191 with a silencer/sound moderator

In a recent China Central Television feature for International Women’s Day, viewers were introduced to a standout figure: a female political commissar leading a company of the People’s Armed Police (PAP) through a tactical drill. It’s the kind of segment that blends celebration with a subtle reminder that the PAP wants to look both modern and disciplined on camera.

It is interesting to note is that every officer under her command is carrying a QBZ‑191 rifle each one topped with a suppressor. For a law‑enforcement‑oriented force like the PAP, the choice isn’t entirely surprising. Suppressors help tame muzzle blast and flash, which makes communication easier and keeps indoor operations from turning into an impromptu flashbang festival. In tight spaces, anything that reduces the “my ears are ringing” factor is a welcome upgrade. 

"Your gun is long, dude"

But here’s the thing: most PAP duties aren’t high‑tempo CQB raids. They’re more about presence, patrols, and keeping public order (hahahahaha). In that context, the extra length isn’t a deal‑breaker. If anything, the long silhouette of a suppressed QBZ‑191 adds a certain “don’t test me” visual authority. And while the PAP’s day‑to‑day tasks often involve managing street vendors rather than storming buildings (hahahahaha), the optics of a modern, well‑equipped unit play an important role in projecting professionalism.

In short: the suppressors may not be perfect for every scenario, but they certainly make for good television and an even better headline featuring a woman political commissar (女教导员) of 2nd Mobile PAP Corps.

 

 

Policing via firepower in Xinjing

 Photos of the 187th People Armed Police (PAP) Mobile  Division, 1st Mobile PAP Corps in a fire drill.

Monday, March 25, 2019

PR photo the day: manhunt.....with flamethrower

In this drill, the People's Armed Police, Gansu Corps simulated a manhunt to catch 6 terrorists. Yup, if PR pictures below is a correct depiction, one of the tools available to the PAP in this hunt is flamethrower.  Really begs the question on how to get positive identification on those suspects afterward.

 

 

Sunday, May 17, 2020

CCTV Capture Of The Day: Xinjing PAP 2nd Mobile Corps now has an organic heliborne SpOps

Xinjiang PAP 2nd 总队 Mobile Corp is now confirmed with an organic heliborne SpOps team.  2nd Mobile Corp Helicopter Detachment has been operating a fleet of five Z-8 helicopters for over Since 2015, attaching a small SpOps team to it seems to be a logical next step.

Xinjing PAP 1st Mobile Corp operates a similar fleet of Z-8 helicopters, it would not be a surprise if it also commands a SpOs team as well. 

 WJ = PAP

Why does the PLA still issue rectangular shields?

Given that the Chinese rectangular shield seems cumbersome on today’s fast‑moving, high‑tech, drone‑dominated battlefield, one might wonder why the PLA continues to issue it at the infantry level? The explanation is likely very simpler: these shields can be bundled together as a windbreaker.

 

Monday, November 04, 2024

PLA heavy infantry update

Finally, the PLA frontier defense heavy infantry is now receiving much-needed equipment standardization and enhanced armor, including leg and elbow guards.   Yes, after more than 2000 years, the poor PLA infantry is now headed in the correct way in terms of adequate armor protection, closing the gap with  their Han Dynasty counterparts. 

I am not crying, just have sands in my eyes......

 

 

More Photos For Your Modern Infantry ToE Nerds Out There

Good to see that the Mandarin Duck formation is alive and well.  With that being said, a plate armor upgrade would be a great next step upgrade.

Wednesday, October 02, 2024

The PLA still has a much to learn about modern warfare, particularly infantry tactics and related Table of Equipment in 2024

 What's wrong this this PLA Phalanx?   For starter, their spears are too short, lacking standards.  What?  no shield?  Yikes, only four rank deep.   

I am telling you, they would not stand a chance against Little Alex’s Macedonian phalanx of 323 BC.  No not a chance.

Man, oh man, the PLA Hastati border guard is carrying a cheap, Chinese knockoff gladius that isn't even sharp to start.  Their scuta also appears to be of low quality.

Group photo of this 13-member  Contubernium

Two Type 89 120mm Pilum for range attack before close-quarters melee at Contubernium level

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