PLA practices drone-guided beyond-visual-range helicopter attack Liu Xuanzun Published: May 12, 2021 07:41 PM Attack helicopters attached to a naval aviation brigade under the PLA Eastern Theater Command sit in formation on the parking apron during a flight training exercise in April 19,2021. Photo:China Military The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) recently conducted a live-fire exercise in which reconnaissance drones guided helicopters in missile attacks on maritime targets beyond visual range, a technique that can boost combat efficiency, bring up the maximum potential of missiles and increase the survival rate of helicopters, a military analyst said on Wednesday. An aviation brigade attached to the PLA 71st Group Army recently held the drill in the Yellow Sea, China Central Television (CCTV) reported on Tuesday.