A simulation photo of stealth drone CH-7. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Powered by a single jet engine, the CH-7 has a maximum speed of about 920 kilometers per hour, roughly the cruising speed of a large jetliner. Its flight ceiling is 13 km, high enough to evade almost all types of short- and medium-range air-defense missiles, and its operational radius is around 2,000 km, according to the academy.

The CH series of drones, designed and built by the academy, have been sold to militaries in more than 10 countries, making them the largest armed drone family exported by China, the academy's statistics show.

The China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, also known as Zhuhai Airshow, is the one of the largest arms exhibitions in the world. This year's event will open on Tuesday in the coastal city of Zhuhai, Guangdong province.