Shaanxi KJ-500
| KJ-500 | |
|---|---|
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| |
| KJ-500 | |
| Role | Airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) |
| National origin | China |
| Manufacturer | Shaanxi Aircraft Corporation |
| Number built | 34+[1] |
| Developed from | Shaanxi Y-9 |
The Shaanxi KJ-500 (Chinese: 空警-500; pinyin: Kōngjǐng Wǔbǎi; literally: "Air Warning 500") is a third-generation airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft used by the Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force. It was built by Shaanxi Aircraft Corporation,[2] and is based on the Y-9 airframe.
Development
Since the beginning of the 21st century, the detection range and the accuracy of airborne radars have been increasing, and fighters equipped with various types of air-to-air missiles and low-altitude cruise missiles continue to improve in performance, creating a demand for a more capable AEW&C. To address the above issues, China started the development of the KJ-500, its third AEW&C, in the late 2000s. The KJ-500 was required to have three important features, which are good detection capability, good identification ability, and quick responsiveness. The KJ-500 was also required to be the core force of the information combat system, its equipped technology has four major characteristics, which are networking, multi-functionality, high-integration, and lightweight.[3]
The aircraft carries a fixed dorsal radome containing three AESA radar arrays for 360-degree coverage and is said to be more efficient than the two-planar 'balance beam' array design used on the earlier KJ-200. Production of older AEW&C types reportedly ceased production in 2018 in response to the KJ-500 reaching full operational capability.[4]
Variants
- KJ-500
- Base variant
- KJ-500A
- Improved variant with an aerial refueling probe. Debut in Zhuhai Airshow 2022.[5]
Operators
- People's Liberation Army Air Force - 20 KJ-500[1]
- People's Liberation Army Naval Air Force - 14+ KJ-500H[6]
Specifications
Limited performance parameters of KJ-500 have been published as follows:[7]
- Max speed (km/h): 550
- Max range (km): 5700
- Max endurance (h): 12
- Max takeoff weight(tons): 77
- Range against fighter sized targets (km): 470[8]
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