A CH-4 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), characterized by its long battery life of 40 hours, is displayed at the 10th China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 12, 2014. The 10th China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition, which takes place in Zhuhai from Nov. 11 to 16, features various UAV drones for both military and civilian use.(Xinhua/Liang Xu)

 Production of China's CH series unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is running at maximum capacity thanks to heavy market demand, with the bestselling CH-4 drone having sold more than 200 units on the international market, the Global Times learned from the drone manufacturer on Wednesday.

With increasing market demand, the CH UAV company is expanding its production capacity by building a modern, intelligent production line in Taizhou, East China's Zhejiang Province, which will be fully operating by 2023, the company said. 

The announcement came shortly before the upcoming Airshow China 2022, where the CH series drones will be exhibited.

After being upgraded with a domestically developed heavy-fuel engine, the CH-4 armed reconnaissance drone will make its reappearance at the air show. Thanks to the new power source, the CH-4 now has a longer endurance, a longer range, a higher cruise altitude and ceiling, as well as a larger payload capacity.

The latest version of the CH-5 will offer maritime applications, as it can detect information on the sea surface and underwater.

As a high-end drone, the CH-7 is characterized by its high-altitude, high-speed, high-endurance and stealth capabilities. The CH-7 can conduct reconnaissance missions without opponents becoming aware of it.

Other known members in the CH drone family include the cheap but effective CH-3, the large CH-6, the tilt-rotor CH-10 and the solar-powered CH-T4. The company also makes munitions suitable for use with the drones.

Airshow China is scheduled to be held from November 8 to 13 in Zhuhai, South China's Guangdong Province.

In addition to the CH series, China's Wing Loong series and Twin-Tailed Scorpion series - among a wide collection of other types of drones - are expected to participate in the event, according to media reports.