chinese military aircraft and missiles
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A Collection Of Weapons Systems Obtained From The Federation Of American Scientists' Military Analysis NetworkTRANSCRIPT
FAS Military AffairsNetwork
Chinese MilitaryAircraft and Missiles
J-8 (Jian-8 Fighter aircraft 8) / F-8The J-8 was the first PLAAF aircraft of domestic design, with design work beginning in1964. The overall configuration is a rather straightforward enlargement of the MiG-21/J-7 layout to accomodate two engines. Although it resembled Mikoyan's experimental Ye-152A, contrary to some early reports, it was not based on that aircraft. Production beganin December 1979, with about 100-150 units of the first configuration entering service.Design work on the improved J-8-2 began in 1980, with production beginning in the late1980. As with the cancelled "Super 7" upgrade to the single-engine J-7, the J-8-2completely reworks the front end of the aircraft, adding a much larger radar and ventralair inlets, along with various other less pronounced improvements. The best that can besaid of the J-8 is that once upgraded it will be no more than an advanced obsolete aircraft,comparable in configuration and aerodyanmic performance to the Su-15 FLAGON.
The Jian-8IIM upgrader, co-developed by China and Russia, is the result of a thoroughmodernization of the F-8M fighter ("M" standing for export-only weaponry in China'sweapon designation system) and has actually become a new-generation fighter plane. Thefirst flight of this version was conducted on 31 March 1996. It features upgradedelectronics systems, the lack of which has disadvantaged China's fighter planes for a longtime.
The J-8 and J-8II aircraft are trouble-prone aircraft with a poor weapon suite and aninefficient engine. At best, the J-8-II can be compared with an early model (1960s) US F-4 Phantom. In fact, after twenty-six years the J-8-II is still in the development stage, hasresulted in only about 100 fighters deployed, and meets none of the requirements of thePLAN.
The twin-engined Jian-8IIM is claimed to be better equipped to survive damage thansingle-engined F-16A/C and Mirage 2000 series. The high-altitude high-speedperformance of the Jian-8IIM is superior to the F-16A/C, F-18, and Mirage 2000; and itsradar and electronic equipment are better than those of the F-16A and are similar to thoseof F-16C, F-18,and Mirage 2000-5. By using the new, powerful WP-13B engines, theJian-8IIM fighter boasts greatly improved low-altitude maneuverability, which is slightlybetter than that of the F-18 and Mirage 2000-5, but still inferior to that of the F-16. TheJian-8IIM fighter will probably be equipped with Russia's or China's helmet sight andadvanced PL-9 and P-73 missiles, with which it will outperform the F-16C in close-rangeair combat. Phazotron, a Russian firm, has signed contracts with China to provide 150-200 improved Zhuk radars mainly in support of China's new F-8II fighter, but also toequip the new Chengdu J-10 fighter. These radars have six times the data and signalprocessing power of the basic variant and greater detection range than the current 80KM.They can track while scanning on 24 targets, display up to 8 of them, and simultaneouslyprovide fire-control solutions for 2-4 of them.
The Jian-8IIM does not use large amounts of expensive composite material and titaniumalloy, and it is not equipped with complicated maneuverable flaps, as found on the F-
7MG and F-16. Consequently, although their combat capabilities are similar, the Jian-8IIM is much cheaper than the F-16C. Though mature and reliable, the Jian-8IIM israther cumbersome. With a fuel load exceeding that of the F-16, its operating range isshorter than that of the latter. However, if specified by a customer, the Jian-8IIM couldincorporate composite material, titanium alloy, and maneuverable flaps to furtherenhance its maneuverability and expand its external storage capacity and radius of action.
SpecificationsCountry People's Republic of China (PRC)
Designation Jian-8 Finback
Type Intercept
Builder Shenyang Aircraft
Wing Span 30 ft in ( 9.3 m)
Length 70 ft 10 in (21.6 m)
Height 17 ft 9 in ( 5.4 m)
Weight21,600 lb ( 9,820 kg) empty31,500 lb (14,300 kg) normal takeoff39,200 lb (17,800 kg) max takeoff
Engine 2 Wopen 13A-II turbojets @ 14,815 lbst thrust
Maximum speed 1,450 mph / 2,340 km/h / Mach 2.2
Cruising speed 800 mph / 1,300 km/h
Ceiling 18-20,000 meters
Range 700 nm / 1300 km cruise radius (est.)
Internal Fuel 3994 kg
Drop Tanks 480 L drop tank with 383kg of fuel for 34nm range800 L drop tank with 639kg of fuel for 56nm range
In-Flight Refueling No
Payload
Crew One
Sensors Izmurd raging radar, RWR, Ballistic bomb sight. Willbe upgraded with APG-66 radar
Armament
2 23mm Cannon (J-8 only; not found on J-8II)1 underfuselage hardpoint6 underwing hardpoints for fuel, bombs, rockets, ormissiles
4 PL-2 or PL-7 and 800 L drop tank (680 nm)2 PL-2 or PL-7 and 2 480 L drop tank and 1 800 Ldrop tank (741nm)
Inventory
Basing
FC-1In 1986 China signed a $550 million agreement with Grumman to modernize 55 of itsfleet of J-7 fighters under the so-called "Super-7" upgrade, but this agreement wascanceled in early 1990, in the wake of the cooling of political relations with the West, aswell as in response to a 40% increase in the cost of the project.As a substitute for the Super-7, China is developing the FC-1 (Fighter China 1)lightweight multipurpose fighter based on the design for the MiG-33, which was rejectedby the Soviet Air Force. The FC-1 is being developed with a total investment in excess of$500 million, including support from the China National Aero-Technology Import andExport Corporation (CATIC), mainly for export to replace the 120 F-7M/P fighterscurrently in service in the Pakistani Air Force, though it is possible that the Chinese AirForce will use this aircraft as well. Chengdu Aircraft Industry Company [CAIC], based inSichuan Province, is China's second-largest fighter production base, and the enterprise iscooperating with Pakistan's Aviation Integrated Company and Russia's Mikoyan Aero-Science Production Group [MASPG] in the development of the FC-1. Israel and severalEuropean countries are being considered as suppliers for the plane's avionics. The firstflight took place in 1997 with delivery to the Pakistani Air Force scheduled for 1999.
Initially it was anticipated that the FC-1 would be a high- performance, low-cost fighterplane to supplement the F-10 air superiority fighters developed for the Chinese Air Force.But with the participation of MASPG, the Russians are using the FC-1 as a continuationof the MiG-33 [R33] program developed in the 1980s. Like the MiG-33, the FC-1 usesthe "Zhuk" pulse Doppler radar and RD93 turbofans, though the FC-1 features air inletson the lateral sides of the fuselage rather than the ventral inlets of the MiG-33. WithRussian technical assitance the redesigned FC-11 has improved climbout performanceand steering capabilities along with a stronger fuselage. However, the most apparentmodifications to the MiG-33 design is the repositioning of the ventral fins from theengine compartment to the added tail edgings, providing aerial maneuverability that isclaimed to match that of the American F16. These improvement in performance haveaffected the program's costs, and if the final production order if fewer than 300 aircraftthe unit price will rise from the original $10 million to $15 million.
Consequently, the China National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corporation(CATIC) is trying to persuade the Chinese Air Force to use the FC-1 so as to increase theproduction run and reduce the unit cost. But the Chinese military has resisted, being ofthe view that equiping the Air Force with two types of fighter planes with similarperformance within the same time period would both consume limited financial resourcesand complicate logistical support for dissimilar aircraft.The FC-1 was to make it's first flight in 1996, but the project was delayed when Pakistansought to upgrade the performance characteristics of the FC-1 to respond to India'sacquisition of Su-30MKIs. After several years of stagnation, the Pakistani PrimeMinister's February 1998 trip to China resulted in an agreement to continue developmentof the fighter. Currently Pakistan is interested in acquiring at least 150 fighters, with theChinese contemplating acquiring over 200.
J-9The J-9 designation was apparently initially applied to an unbuilt aircraft that wascancelled in development around 1979. The F-9 FANTAN designation was at one timeapplied to the Q-5 FANTAN attack aircraft. Should the FC-1 enter PLAAF service, itmight carry the J-9 designation.
SpecificationsLENGTH 13.95 meters
HEIGHT 5.02 meters
WING SPAN 9.5 meters
MAX T-O WEIGHT 12,500 kilograms
MAX LEVELSPEED 1031 knots
MAX RANGE 864 nautical miles
SERVICE CEILING 16,000 meters
T-O RUN 500 meters
LANDING RUN 700 meters
Armament
23 mm GSh-23-2 twin-barrel cannon6 - PL-7 AAM6 - PL-10 AAMsASMs, bombs
J-10 (Jian-10 Fighter aircraft 10) / F-10
The J-10 [the export version being designated F-10] is a multi-role single-engine andsingle-seat tactical fighter, with its combat radius of 1,000 km. It is designed for pointdefensive warfare with performance generatlly matching aircraft such as the Mirage 2000deployed by Taiwan. Apparently, Chinese engineers are trying to develop the J-10 from asingle F-16 provided by Pakistan, and with assistance from Israeli engineers associatedwith Israel’s US-financed Lavi fighter program, which was cancelled in 1987.The acquisition of Su-27, after China had attempted for years to develop the J-10 aircraftwith equivalent technology to perform similar functions, demonstrates a lack ofconfidence in domestic industrial capabilities. China’s record on reverse engineeringaircraft has not been impressive, and it remains in doubt whether the J-10 will ever joinChina’s interceptor inventory.
It is unclear what specific technologies and systems Israel has provided, although it isreported that the Jian-10's radar and fire-control system is the Israeli-made ELM-2021system, which can simultaneously track six air targets and lock onto the four most-threatening targets for destruction. Some experts believe that the Israeli contribution willfocus on avionics and radar, with Russia supplying the engines. In December 1991, USintelligence officials announced that Israel was planning to open a governmentcoordinated and sponsored "arms office" in the PRC. In light of what the Israelis have tooffer, and what the Chinese need, it was most likely that a transfer of avionics and othertechnologies developed in the Lavi program would ensue, since there is a void in theChinese avionics and fire control system capability due to the 1989 termination of aUS/Chinese program in response to Tienanmen square.
China and Israel started collaboration in the early 1980's and full-scale cooperation wasunderway officially by 1984. After the 1987 cancellation of the Lavi, it was taken over byCAIC and the IAI carried on with the development of avionic equipment. However, theLavi project had included many elements that Israel could not develop by itself, andChina cannot obtain these key technologies from the United States, which hasconsequently substantially increased the technical difficulties of the F10. In addition,there are certain difference between the Israeli and Chinese requirements for the aircraft.Since Israel already already had fighters such as the F-15, its primary requirement for theLavi was short-range air support and interdiction, with a secondary mission of airsuperiority. In contrast, the Chinese Air Force is interested in replacing its large fleet ofoutmoded J-6 and J-7 fighters, for which air superiority capabilities remain a top prioritywhile the air-to-ground attack capability is of secondary importance.
Since neither China nor Israel is capable of developing the propulsion system required bythe J-10, in 1991 China acquired the AI31F turbofan engine from Russia forincorporation into the J-10 fighter. This engine is also used in the Su-27 air superiorityfighter that Chinese acquired from Russia. The performance of the AL31F engine issignificantly better than that of the American PW1120 originally slated for the Lavi, itmay be anticipated that the performance of the J-10 will be accordingly enhanced.
The J-10 features a delta wing canard configuration which ensures aircraft stability withwidened static stability active control technology. The deep burial of the engine and theextensive use of composite materials for wing-fuselage fusion design reduces theaircraft's radar signature. This aircraft uses control-figured vehicle design and nineindependent control planes: two forward wings, two forward wing flaps, two insideelevons, two outside elevons, and one vertical rudder.
In November 1995 the Jian-10 fighter prototype crashed during a test flight, andconsequently it was decided to indefinitely suspend manufacturing plans which hadanticipated deliveries to users by 1998. By mid-1999 flight testing had resumed, withlittle prospect of entering service by 2005.
J-11 [Su-27 FLANKER]Codenamed `Flanker' by NATO, the J-11 [Su-27] is a multi-role fighter bomber and airsuperiority aircraft which can also be used in the maritime strike role. The Flanker has anoperational radius of around 1500 km, and is equipped with an inflight refuelling facilityextending their radius by another 500 km. Although normally configured forconventional operations, the J-11 could provide China with a high-performance nuclear-capable strike aircraft.The acquisition of Su-27, after China had attempted for years to develop the J-10 aircraftwith equivalent technology to perform similar functions, demonstrates a lack ofconfidence in domestic industrial capabilities.
In 1991 China purchased an initial batch of 24 SU-27s for about $1 billion which weredelivered in late 1992 and based at Wuhu Air Base, 250 kilometers west of Shanghai. InMay 1995 China purchased a second batch of 24 SU-27 aircraft through Russia's mainstate-run arms exporting company Rosvooruzheniye. These were delivered in April 1996and based at Suixi Air Base in Southern China. The 48 Su-27-type aircraft include 36one-seat Su-27SK manufactured in Komsomolsk-on-Amur and 12 two-seat Su-27UBmanufactured in Irkutsk, worth a total of 1.7 billion dollars.
In February 1996 Moscow and Beijing reached a $2.2 billion agreement for Chinese co-production of the Sukhoi Su-27. Under the initial agreement China would produce up to200 aircraft [without the right to reexport the jets to third countries] from Russian-madecomponents over three to five years. The total cost of the contract is $1.5 billion,including $650 million for technical documents and $850 million for parts, instrumentsand equipment provided by Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aviation Enterprise imeni YuriyGagarin [KnAAPO], which is to deliver around 30 percent of all completing parts for 200Chinese SU-27SK jets. Russia has licensed coproduction of Su-27s to the ShenyangAircraft Company, which can produce fifteen to twenty per year. In the period 1998-2000Shenyang plans to assemble only 15 Su- 27SK fighters of the 200 permitted under theterms of the contract. The first two aircraft built at Shenyang flew at the end of 1998.Eventually China might seek to obtain as many as 300 Su-27s.
However the integration of the Su-27 into the Chinese Air Force has proven difficult,particularly with respect to training and maintenance costs. Russia delivered parts andassemblies for 2 fighters, which were assembled in 1998, bringing China's total inventoryto some 50 aircraft. However, these initial airframes proved unsatisfactory, and noadditional production had been completed by late 1999. By the end of 2000 deliveries areplanned for the parts and assemblies for the first batch of 15 Chinese-built fighters.
In March 1996, the PLA Air Force and other PLA elements conducted joint-serviceexercises in the Taiwan Strait. During these exercises the JL-11 [Su-27] fired a variety ofair-to-ground rockets, and also dropped four deceleration bombs similar to the US MK82Snake-Eye, the first time that such bombs have been shown publicly. These exercisesclearly stressed the bombing capabilities of the JL-11, suggesting that radar and computer
software improvements to its air-to-surface attack capacities may have incorporated theadvanced SU-35 fire control equipment and functions to provide high accuracy munitiondelivery.
In mid-1999 Russia agreed to sell as many as 72 of the front-line Sukhoi-30 variant of theSU-27 jet to China, in addition to the Su-27 aircraft previously agreed to. As a result ofthe 7th session of the Russian-Chinese commission on economic cooperation held inBeijing in August 1999, the two countries reached a general agreement on the deliveriesto China of the Su-30MKK two-seat multipurpose fighters, worth a total of about twobillion dollars. Under the agreement, Russia will start delivery of about 40 the jets toChina between 2000 and 2002. The Sukhoi Design Bureau developed state-of-the-art Su-30MKK (modernised, commercial for China) especially for the specific requirements ofthe Chinese military. At the same time, negotiations began for Moscow to grant a licencefor the production of another 250 Sukhoi-30 fighters, though it is unclear whether thisproduction would be in addition to or instead of the licensed production of the SU-27.
At the end of 1999 it was anticipated that the Irkutsk aviation industrial association willdeliver to China a total of 28 training and combatant Su-27UB fighters. The delivery willbe implemented to repay the state debt, and 8 planes will be delivered to China within theyear 2000, 10 planes in the year 2001 and 10 planes in the year 2002.
J-12 (Jianjiji-12 Fighter aircraft 12) / F-12Besides carrying on with the improvement of the J-8 series and the licensed production ofthe Su-27, the Shenyang Aircraft Company (SAC) is now engaged in preliminaryresearch for the "No. 12" project for the development of the Chinese Air Force's mainfighter aircraft for the 21st century. Also known as the "XXJ," this fifth generationPLAAF fighter, is currently projected to enter service in the 2013-2015 timeframe. Theaircraft is projected to have a crew of two, is anticipated to be in same class as US F-22fighter, probably based on significant Russian technical assistance.
The J-12 designation was apparently previously applied to an aircraft built at Nanchangin the late 1970s, with only one or two airframes being constructed prior to the program'scancellation. Said to resemble a scaled-up MiG-15/17, it was in competition with the J-7and J-8, though with a less robust weapon system.
JH-7 [Jianhong Fighter-Bomber] [B-7]Xian Aircraft Industry Company [XAIC], based in Shaanxi Province, produced the newJH-7 Jianhong-7 [Jian=fighter hong=bomber] Flying Panther supersonic fighter-bombers for the Chinese Navy at the modest rate of two aircraft per month. Due to itsunreliable engines, the JH-7 was rejected by the PLAAF in favor of Su-27SK. It was firstrevealed publicly September 1988 as model at Farnborough International air show, withthe first of two prototypes having been rolled out during previous month. The first flightcame in late 1988 or early 1989. Service entry was originally scheduled for 1992-93, butintroduction in significant numbers seems to have been delayed. Having nonethelessentered the Chinese Navy's air arm inventory in the early 1990s, according to somereports as few as a dozen [and probably no more than two dozen] pre-production JH-7sare in service with PLA Naval Aviation, with additional JH-7 production awaiting theavailability of a Chinese engine.
This twin-engined, two-seat, swept-back high mounted wing supersonic fighter-bomberhas a configuration similar to the British "Tornado" attack plane. The plane is designed tohave the same role and configuration class as the Russian Sukhoi Su-24 'Fencer'. It hashigh mounted wings with compound sweepback, dog tooth leading edges adn markedanhedral; twin turbofans, with lateral air intakes; all swep tail surface, comprising largemain fin, single small ventral fin and low set all moving tailplane; small overwing fenceat approximately two third span. Quarterchord sweep angles approxomately 45 degreeson wings and fins, 55 degrees on tailplane. Armament including twin-barrel 23mm gun innose; two stores pylons under each wing, plus rail for close-range air-to-air missile ateach wingtip. Typical underwing load for maritime attck includes two C-801 sea-skimming anti-ship missiles and two drop tanks.
The JH-7 has provided the Chinese Navy with improved attack capabilities. However, heWS9 turbofan does not have enough thrust (with boosted thrust at 9,305 kg per engine),the maximum bomb-carrying capacity of this large fighter with a maximum takeoffweight of 27 metric tons is only five metric tons, far less than that of foreign aircraft inthe same weight class.
The XAIC plan is to use Russian-made engines and advanced composite materials toimprove the B7 and equip it with terrain-tracking radar and electronic countermeasuresequipment. This improved JH-7A will have more reliable AL-31F engine as well as adomestic radar with a detection range of 100 km and the ability to simultaneously track14 targets and attack 4 to 6. This improved JH-7A is a candidate to replace the outmodedB5 and A5 attack planes. However, the J-10 fighter-bomber has a maximum bomb-carrying capacity of design at 6.8 metric tons, and the Su-27 also has a bomb-carryingcapacity of nearly 6.5 metric tons.
While it was widely reported that the aircraft would have upgraded Russian AL-31SMturbofan engines, the JH-7 that was shown at the 1998 Zhuhai Aerospace Show had twoBritish Spey MK-202 turbofan engines. Turbofan engines are a bottleneck technology for
the Chinese aircraft industry which, from the 1960's to the present has always used lessefficient turbojet engines.
SpecificationsBuilder Xian Aircraft Industry Company [XAIC]
Wing span 12.80 m (42 ft 0 in)
Length (excl probe) 21.00 m (68 ft 10.75 in)
Height 6.22 m (20 ft 4.875 in).
Max take off weight 27415 kg (60,439 lbs).
PowerplantTwo Xian WS9 turbofans (licence Rolls-Royce SpeyMk 202)each 91.2 kN; 20,515 lbst with afterburning
Speed
Max level speed at 11000 m (36,080 ft):Mach 1.6-1.7 (917-975 kt; 1.699-1.808 km/h; 1.056-1.122 mph);Cruise speed:Mach 0.80-0.85 (459-487 kts; 850-903 km/h; 528-561mph);
Service ceiling 15500 m (50,850 ft)
Combat radius 485 n miles (900 km; 560 miles).
Max weapon load 5000 kg (11,023 lbs)
Armament
Twin barrel 23 mm gun in nose;two store pylons under each wing pluswingtip rails for PL-5 air-to-air missiles
Typical maritime attack weapons load would be two C-801 or C-802 (YJ-1) sea-skimming anti-ship missileand two drop tanks.
K-8 KarakorumChina and Pakistan agreed to jointly develop the K-8 Karakorum jet trainer, which wasplanned to incorporate significant American content, including Garrett engines, andCollins and Magnavox avionics. The develpment of this project was jeopardized USrestrictions levied by the United States following the June 1989 Tienanmen Squaremassacre. Manufacture of four prototypes started January 1989, and the first flight testwas conducted on 21 November 1990. A total of 12 aircraft (six each to China andPakistan) were delivered by end of 1996. Pakistan decided against domestic seriesproduction in 1994. While the original plan involved up to 75 aircraft for Pakistan, byearly 1996 as many as 100 were reportedly desired to replace aging Cessna T-37 trainers.The Chinese requirement may range up to several hundred, which would be powered bythe Progress AI-25 turbofans imported from Russia beginning in 1997.
FANTAN Q-5 / A-5The Q-5 [Qiang-5 Attack-5, the export version being designated A-5] is a single-seat,twin-engine supersonic fighter developed by the Nanchang Aircraft Company of China. Itoffers enhanced combat performance particularly at low and super-low altitude. It is thelatest renovated type equipped with imported navigation and attack systems. It is usedmainly to assist ground troops in attacking concentrated targets on land, keytransportation points and ships near the coast. It can also intercept and fight enemyaircraft. It has two WP-6 after burning type of turbojet engines, a fuselage 15,65 meterslong, a height of 4.33 meters, and a wingspan of 9,68 meters. Its maximum takeoff load is11,300 kg.
It carries a cannon in each wing, mounted near the fuselage, and it can be loaded with airto air weapons. It can carry bombs and canisters in its hold and various kinds of bombs,rockets and spare fuel tanks in the racks under its wings.
This derivative of the J-6 fighter originated in August 1958 as a Shenyang designproposal. Reponsibility was assigned to Nanchang. The prototype program was cancelled1961, but kept alive by small team and resumed officially 1963. The first flight came on04 June 1965, with preliminary design certificate awarded and preproducton batchauthorised late 1965. Further modifications were found necessary, leading to flight test oftwo much modified prototypes from October 1969. Series production was approved at theend of 1969, with deliveries beginning 1970.
A total of approximately 1,000 aircraft were built, of which nearly 600 were theimproved Q-5A variant. An small number, perhaps a few dozen, of the Q-5As weremodified to carry nuclear weapons.
PLAAF equipment holdings have improved only slowly, hampered by the need for hardcurrency, as most Chinese equipment upgrades have required foreign assistance. Theupgrade of the Q-5 aircraft centers on the addition of French inertial guidance and attacksystems, including a heads-up display and laser range-finder.
As Qiang-5 has been fitted with laser-ranging sensors, its strike accuracy has been greatlyimproved. The ALR-1 laser-ranging sensor and the heads-up laser-ranging fire controlsystem, which consists of the new-type heads-up display and the air data computer, bothhave continuous computerized point-of-impact functions. The range of the ALR-1 laser-ranging sensor is 20-10,000 meters and its range precision is 5 meters. Its overallperformance is roughly equivalent to that of the British 105D and the French TMV of the1980s.
The wings are mid-mounted, sharply swept-back, and tapered with blunt tips and wingfences. Two turbojets are located inside the body with semicircular air intakes and twoexhausts. The fuselage is thick, flattened, with an upward taper to the rear section. The
tail flats are high-mounted on the body, swept-back, and tapered with square tips. Thesharply swept-back tail fin has a blunt tip.
SpecificationsBuilder Nanchang Aircraft Company
Wing Span 31 ft, 10 in (9.8 m)
Length 54 ft, 10 in (16.74 m)
Height 14.8 feet (4.51 m)
Weight 12,000 kg full load
Engine 2 Shenyang Wopen-6 5,732 lbst turbojets
Internal Fuel 2883kg
In-Flight Refueling No
Drop Tanks two 201-gal external fuel tanks
Maximum speed 1210 km/hr
Cruising speed 910 km/hr
Combat Radius 600 km hi-lo-hi400 km lo-lo-lo
Service Ceiling 16000 meters
Armament
1000-2000 kg2 Type 23-2 23mm Cannon250kg bombsPL-2 AAMPL-7 AAM8x57mm rocket pods
Sensors High Fix radar, Balistic bombsight
Crew one
Cost
Similar Aircraft Super Etendard, Yak-38 Forger, Mirage F1.
User Countries Bangladesh, North Korea, Pakistan, People’s Republicof China.
Chinese Airborne Early Warning (AEW)The acquisition of an Airborne Early Warning (AEW) platform capable of conductingdata relays has held a high priority in the PLAAF's efforts to modernize. China'sacquisition of an AEW system would provide a dramatic advance in China's operationalabilities.
China has tested an AEW radar rotodome on a TU-4 platform, but there is no indicationthat this unique aircraft is intended as a prototype for subsequent production.
China conceivably could have fully operational AEW platforms by 2005. Israel AircraftIndustries (IAI) currently is marketing its Phalcon airborne early warning (AEW) systemto China in competition with the British defense firm GEC-Marconi. However, thisairborne early warning program to mount the Israeli Phalcon airborne radar on a Russianairframe remains behind schedule, and evidently negotiations continue on the deal underwhich IAI would supply the advanced radar and computer systems.
It was reported in November 1995 that the Russian foreign ministry had vetoed a dealwhere IAI would rebuild an Ilyushin aircraft into an AEW&C aircraft for China.However, in 1996 Tel Aviv and Beijing signed an agreement on purchasing the Falconradar system, which China insisted system should be fitted onto Russian Il-76 aircraft.The Phalcon's triangular radar array would be mounted on the rear quarter fuselage of theIl-76 to provide full 360 degree scan coverage. China already has six such aircraft as wellas a service base for them. In May 1997 it was reported that Russia and Israel agreed tofulfill jointly an order from China to develop and deliver an early warning system. Thefirst Russian aircraft was expected to arrive in Israel for refitting in 1998. But Russianreluctance to provide technical specifications for the Il-76 delayed the program. Chinareportedly ordered one Phalcon for $250 million, which entailed retrofitting a Russian-made Ilyushin-76 cargo plane [also incorrectly reported as a Beriev A-50 Mainstay] withadvanced Elta electronic, computer, radar and communications systems. Beijing isexpected to acquire several PHALCON AEW systems, and reportedly could buy at leastthree more [and possibly up to eight] of these systems, the prototype of which wasplanned for testing beginning in 2000.
D-4 NPU (Xian NPU)The D-4 is a small UAV operated by remote control. The contractor is Xian PilotlessResearch and Development Center, located at the Northwestern Polytechnical Universityin China. Other similar craft are BAZ (Iran) and LG 17 (CIS). The D-4 drone's wings arehigh-mounted, straight to the midsection, and tapered from midwing to tips. The engine isa single, prop-driven engine in the nose section. The fuselage is round and tapers to frontand rear, with fixed landing pads. The tail flats are high-mounted on the body and equallytapered. The fin is equally tapered.
SpecificationsCountry of Origin China
Builder Xian
Role Multirole, reconnaissance, surveillance and target
Similar Aircraft MK-105 Flash. Predator
Wing Span 14 ft, 10 in (4.30 m)
Length 10 ft, 8 in (3.32 m)
Height
Weight
Engine
Maximum speed
Cruising speed
Range
Service Ceiling
Armament None
Crew
Cost
User Countries
PL-9DK-9The PL-9 [Pili = Thunderbolt, or Pen Lung = Air Dragon] is China's latest third-generation air-to-air fighting missile. It has infrared guidance and boasts omnidirectionalattack capability and good maneuverability. Its supplier is China National AviationImport and Export Corporation. Its all-round performance is said to be better than that ofthe AIM-9L/M Sidewinder missile, and comparable to the R-73 of Russia. Apart from itscontrol surfaces the PL-9 is almost identical to the Israeli Python 3, which was developedfrom the AIM-9L. But the PL-9 has only about one-third the range of the Python 3. Israelsold China its 9-mile range Python 3 infra-red guided air-to-air missile in the late 1980s.
The PL-9 is used as a surface-to-air guided missile, desinated the DK-9, in the 390missile and artillery combination air defense system unveiled in 1991 by BeifangIndustrial Company. This complex includes a photoelectric sensor, IBIS ultra-low-altitude searching radar, 3C&I command station, 90 double 37 anti-aircraft gun, 702 anti-aircraft fire control system (including a radar and optical surveillance system, a friend-and-foe identifier, a data transmission system, and fire control computer). One completesystem can cover an airspace of 3,000 square kilometers and take on 48 targetssimultaneously. The "80" anti-aircraft artillery system is a less advanced system based onthe 702 fire control system lacks the PL-9 surface-to-air guided missile.
SpecificationsContractor
Entered Service
Total length 2.99 m
Diameter 160 mm
Wingspan 0.81 m
Weight 120 kg
Warhead Weight 10 kg
Propulsion single stage solid rocket
Maximum Speed Mach 2
Maximum effectiverange
15 km
Guidance mode IR
Single-shot hitprobability
HQ-7 / FM-80/-90 Feimeng 80The Feimeng 80 air defense missile is a point defense missile that is usually deployed toammunition depots or military bases. Its mission is similar to that of the "Avenger"missile. With an effective engagement range of 12-15km the system uses an E/F-bandAcquisition radar and a J-band Engagement radar.
In order to reduce the danger of being hit by the enemy's air defense units, fighterbombers now use ultra-low-altitude flight to launch surprise assaults against groundtargets. Ordinary radar and air defense missiles are relatively ineffective against planesand helicopters using this kind of tactics, flying at altitudes of scores of meters. Undersuch circumstances, low-altitude air defense missiles specially designed to hit objectsflying in low altitudes have become increasingly important.
In the early 1990s China first publicly displayed its first mobile low-altitude and ultra-low-altitude missile -- the "Feimeng (Flying Midge)-80." Using a combination ofinfrared, television and radar guidance systems, this air defense missile system is underwireless command control all the way, which gives it excellent resistance to passivejamming, active jamming and crustal and meteorological noises. Compared to similartypes of advanced air defense missiles abroad, the "Feimeng-80" is superior to the USChaparrel, the British Rapier, and the German and French Roland in all-weathercapability, combat response time, combat air space, and ability to deal with multipletargets. Its overall performance is comparable to the improved Sidewinder.
At the end of 1998, the "Feimeng-90," an improved version of the "Feimeng-80," wasintroduced. Compared to the old system, the target seeking range of the new system isincreased from 18,400 meters to 25,000 meters, the homing range is increased from17,000 meters to 20,000 meters, the maximum speed is increased from 750meters/second to 900 meters/second, and the maximum range is increased from 12,000meters to 15,000 meters, thus enhancing its long-range combat capability. At the sametime, its maximum ultra radio frequency height is reduced from 30 meters to 15 meters.The new system also makes use of two-waveband radar instead of ordinary radar andfeatures an improved television tracking system, which greatly increases its combateffectiveness.
SpecificationsContractor
Entered Service
Total length 3.0 m
Diameter 0.15 m
Wingspan 0.55 m
Weight 85 kg
Warhead Weight
Propulsion
Maximum Speed Mach 2.3
Operating altitude 15 - 5500 m
Operating range 8000 - 12000 m
Guidance mode Radar, IR & optical
Single-shot hitprobability
HQ-9 / FT-2000The the [yet-to-be-deployed] HQ-9 is a program to develop a new long-range surface-to-air missile (SAM). The HQ-9 development effort may be based on a Chinese-designedmissile motor, search and guidance hardware based on the Russian S-300PMU, andguidance technology from the American Patriot. China purchased four to six S-300PMUbatteries (48 to 72 missiles) in 1991 and purchased an additional 120 missiles in 1994. In1993 it was alleged that Israel had transferred a Patriot missile or missile technology toChina, though Israel denied the charges. In 1997 the US Office of Naval Intelligencesuggested that "technology from advanced Western systems may be incorporated into theHQ-9." A naval version of HQ-9 could be installed on the Luhai-class destroyers if theHQ-9 enters service. However, China is said to have encountered difficulties with theassociated radar system, and it is unclear whether the PLA is currently funding thisprogram.
The FT-2000 surface-to-air anti-radiation missile is the first large surface-to-air anti-radiation missile in the world. It is said to be based on a marriage of the SA-10 and theUS Patriot track-via-missile seeker. While the association of the HQ-9 and the FT-2000remains unclear, the two programs appear to share remarkably similar developmenthistories, and the FT-2000 capabilities are consistent with the employment of the HQ-9missile without the evidently problematic tracking radar. Its broadband passive radartarget seeker can detect the electromagnetic emmanations from the adversary earlywarning and electronic jamming planes and shoot them down by tracing signals. Sincethe missile has a passive homing system which does not transmit electromagnetic waves,the possibility of being discovered by the enemy is greatly minimized. Its 12-100kilometer slant range also ensures that it can strike at long range. The FT-2000 hasbecome the focus of attention in Taiwan, given the concern that this missile will pose aserious threat to Taiwan's US-made E-2T early warning planes.
The missile associated with the FT-2000 is probably similar to the HQ-9 in size but maybe somewhat slower. Its maximum range reportedly is about 100 km, with a maximumaltitude of approximately 20 km. A complete FT-2000 battalion probably would consistof a command platoon and three batteries. Sales brochure acquired at Farnboroughdubbed the FT-2000 an "AWACS killer." The FT-2000 could be deployed as a stand-alone air defense system or deployed as part of another system. Although Beijing hasstated publicly that the FT-2000 will be available for foreign export around the year2001, it is more likely that it will not be available until the second half of the decade. If aforeign customer cannot be found, development could take longer or not occur at all.
SpecificationsContractor
Entered Service
Total length 6.8 m
Diameter 0.47 m
Wingspan
Weight 1300 kg
Warhead Weight
Propulsion Solid rocket booster
Maximum Speed
Operating altitude 3 - 20 km
Operating range 12 - 100 km
Guidance mode Passive Radar Homing
Single-shot hitprobability
HQ-61 / RF-61 / SD-1 / Model Type 571CSA-N-2The HQ-61 [Hongqi /Hungchi = Red Leader ] missile is responsible for intercepting jetfighters in the low- to medium-altitudes. The missile's rear control wing is similar to thatof the Standard missile made by the United States. This surface-to-air missile can also beused as a ship-to-air antiaircraft missile. Photographs of a November 1995 Chinese Navyexercise offered the first public sighting of this RF-61 (CSA-N-2) surface-to-air missile.
SpecificationsContractor
Entered Service
Total length 4 m
Diameter 0.28 m
Wingspan 1 m
Weight 320 kg
Warhead Weight 42 kg
Propulsion
Maximum Speed Mach 3
Operating range 2500 - 12000 m
Maximum effectivealtitude
10000 m
Guidance mode Radar
Single-shot hitprobability
Kaishan 1The Kaishan 1 anti-aircraft missile is 5.6 meters long, 0.4 meter in diameter, and weighs900 kilograms. Its maximum operational range is variously reported as between 25 and40 kilometers and minimum operational range is 0.5 kilometers. The system uses the SJ-202 acquisition radar and a phased-array engagement radar.
SpecificationsContractor
Entered Service
Total length 5.6 meters
Diameter 0.4 meter
Wingspan
Weight 900 kilograms
Warhead Weight
Propulsion
Maximum Speed
Maximum effectiverange
25 kilometers
Guidance mode
Single-shot hitprobability
LY-60 / PL-10In October 1994 the new medium-low-altitude surface-to-air missile system, the "Lieying(Falcon)-60," was deployed to China's air defense troops. The system is mainly intendedfor the interception of military aircraft and missiles flying in medium-low altitude. It acommand control system with artificial interference capability thanks to the use ofmicroprocessor intelligent module technology. This technology is not found on existingmedium-low-altitude air defense missiles of other countries. The "Lieying-60" searchradar can can simultaneously track up to 40 targets, and the tracking radar is able tosimultaneously track 12 targets, and engage three targets at once. The use of the movingtarget tracking processing system and frequency agility technology also gives the systemgood anti-jamming capability.
The LY60N SAM is being deployed in place of the HQ61 SAM used in the Jiangwei-class frigates. Compared with the HQ61 wit a range of 12 kilometers and maximumaltitude of 10 kilometers, the LY60 has a range of 18 kilometers and reaches a maximumaltitude of 12 kilometers. The LY60N is installed in Jiangwei B-class frigates that haverecently been placed in service. Every launch system features a sextuple launchers andeach launcher contains four LY60N missiles, for a total of 24 missiles. The wings of theLY60N are foldable. In comparison, the LY60 of the ground army version features aquadruple launchers, each of its launcher contains one missile, and its missile wing is notfoldable.
The system will be adopted as the shipborne vertically-launched air defense system of theChinese Navy's "Luhai"-class missile destroyers, with at least eight vertical launchbarrels with a total of 32 missiles.
The Air Force version of the LY-60 is the FD-60 semi-active radar-guided air-to-airmissile carried by the J8B fighter plane, which is very similar to the Aspide AAM of Italyin appearance. This missile, which is evidently also known as the PL-10 [Pili =Thunderbolt, or Pen Lung = Air Dragon] medium range air-to-air missile is a Chinesecopy of the Italian Aspide, which was developed from the American AIM-7E Sparrow.The bodies of the two missiles are generally similar, though the wings of the air-to-airPL-10 mirror those of the Sparrow, while the LY-60 wings have evidently been truncatedto improve storage. The application of the same missile to both air-to-air and ship-to-airapplications emulates the American practice with the Sparrow, which started life as anair-to-air missile with subsequent shipboard deployments.
In addition, the Shanghai Academy has also developed a portable ground-to-air versioncalled the FY-60.
SpecificationsContractor Shanghai Academy of Space Flight Technology
(SAST)
Entered Service
Total length 3.69 m
Diameter 203 mm
Wingspan 1 m
Weight 220 kg
Warhead Weight 33 kg
Propulsion single stage solid rocket
Maximum Speed Mach 4
Maximum effectiverange
AA - PL-10 60 km (head on attack)SAM LY-60 18 km
Guidance mode Semi-Active Radar Homing
Single-shot hitprobability
LY-60
PL-10
HY-5HY-5 (Hongying = Red Tassel) is a shoulder-held air defense missile. The application ofthe "HY" designation to a missile of this type is somewhat confusing to Westerners, sincethe other Chinese missiles using the "HY" designator are large coastal defense cruisemissiles. The confusion is entirely of Western origin, since the Chinese characters for theHai Ying [Sea Eagle] anti-ship missile and the Hong Ying [Red Tassel] anti-tank missileare readily distinguished.
QW-2At the end of 1998 the improved "Qianwei (Advance Guard)-2" was introduced.According to the developers of this new missile, the "Qianwei-2" is the world's mosteffective one-man shoulder-launched ultra-low-altitude air defense missile, surpassingthe US "Stinger" and the the French "Mistral" in performance.
PL-7The PL-7 [Pili = Thunderbolt, or Pen Lung = Air Dragon] air-to-air missile, said by someto be a copy of the French Magic-R550, has automatic target seeking, acquisition andhoming ability as well as dog-fight capability. Some analysts claim the missile is no morethan a cosmetically enhanced PL-5, with few internal changes.
SpecificationsContractor
Entered Service
Total length 2.74 m
Diameter 165 mm
Wingspan 0.66 m
Weight 89 kg
Warhead Weight 12.5 kg
Propulsion single stage solid rocket
Maximum Speed Mach 2.5
Maximum effectiverange
7 km
Guidance mode IR
Single-shot hitprobability
PL-8The PL-8 [Pili = Thunderbolt, or Pen Lung = Air Dragon] is an all-aspect air-to-airmissile with the tail stabilizing fins resembling the Israeli Python-3, and it is believed thatIsrael sold the Python-3 technology to China in the 1980s. The PL-8 has been seencarried on the naval aviation J-8II aircrat, indicating that the missile has enteredoperational service. A few Jianghu III/IV class guided missile frigates mount a close-ingun/missile system combining 2 PL-8N (PL-8H) with a twin 37mm AA gun.
PL-11 / AMR-1The AMR-1 is an advanced next-generation medium-range active terminal guidance air-to-air missile seeker developed by China's Leihua Electronic Technology ResearchInstitute. The flat-plate antenna bears some resemblance to that of active version ofRussian AA-10, although the extent of Russian assistance if any is unclear. The seekermay be integrated onto PL-11 [Pili = Thunderbolt, or Pen Lung = Air Dragon] air-to-airmissile which is reportedly based on the Italian Aspide airframe. The seeker is equippedwith a miniaturized pulse Doppler radar and has the following capabilities: all- weatherand omnibearing attack, low- latitude down-firing, fire-and-forget beyond-the-horizonlaunch, and interception and tracking of target in complicated electronic interferenceenvironments. Its technical sophistication is close to that of the advanced medium-rangeair-to-air missile, AMRAAM and Russia's P-77 "fire-and-forget" missile which hascaught worldwide interest. However, an insufficient military budget and low-pricecompetition from Russian missiles have cast batch production of this missile into doubt.
Tianyan (Celestial Swallow)-90Helicopter gunships are becoming increasingly threatening in modern wars, but surface-to-air missiles and antiaircraft artillery are not very efficient in fighting helicopters. Onemethod is to rely on helicopters to fight helicopters. This requires helicopters to carry air-to-air missiles that are both light-weight (in order to carry more) and powerful (becausepresent-day helicopter gunships have thick armors). Air-to-air "Stinger" and"Sidewinder" missiles are used on two types of US helicopters. The former is animproved one-man air defense missile with a small warhead. The latter is an improvedair-to-air missile for fighter planes, and its weight not only restricts the number ofmissiles that can be carried but also affects the air combat maneuverability of thehelicopter.
China has developed the "Tianyan (Celestial Swallow)-90" which is both light-weightand powerful. As the first air-to-air missile for helicopters, this missile does not have thedrawbacks of helicopter air-to-air missiles of other countries, which are heavy and notvery powerful because they are developed from surface-to-air missiles or missiles forfighter aircraft, and their target seekers are not suitable for hitting helicopters whichoperate in near earth environments where there are strong sources interference. It also isclaimed to have the advantages of long range, extended detection range and robust anti-jamming capability.
C-801 YJ-1 / YJ-8 (Eagle Strike)CSS-N-4 SARDINEThe C-801 missile was developed in response to the Navy's need for small-scale missiles.Said to be derived from the French Exocet, the C-801 bears little external resemblance tothis missile apart from nearly identical length and diameter, and in fact the triple controlsurfaces are rather similar to those found on the American Harpoon [though the Harpoonis only about 80% the size of the C-801]. After 8 years of R&D, the C801 ship-to-shipmissile passed final design tests in September 1985 directly hitting targets in all six testlaunches. The final design of this missile was approved in 1987. The C-801 missile is thesecond generation of antiship missiles developed by China.
The C-801 is carried on missile speedboats, submarines, escort boats, and destroyers, andis used to attack destroyers or escort boats. The Han-class attack submarines are armedwith C-801 cruise missiles, as are the Song-class submarines. The Modified Romeo classsubmarines are armed with 6 YJ-1 (Ying Ji = Eagle Strike) C-801 SSMs. The PLAN'sLuda-class destroyers are armed with a ballistic trajectory ASW weapon CY-1, and 8 YJ-1 missiles. The Luhu-class destroyers are also armed with 8 YJ-1 missiles.
The terminal guidance radar with monopulse system possesses high anti-jammingcapabilities. The high precision radio altimeter allows the missile to have minimum-altitude flight above the sea. It uses a semi-armor-piercing anti-personnel blast warheadwhich relies on the missile's kinetic energy to pierce the deck of a ship, penetrate into andexplode in the ship's interior. During final design flight tests, one missile attacked andsank a target ship with displacement of 10,000 tons.This multipurpose missile can with modification be loaded on various ships, aircraft andmotor vehicles. On the basis of the C801 ship-to-ship missile and in accordance with userdemands, the product series with modified design includes:
C801A general purpose antiship missile uses folded wings, semi-automatic testing, ballistic breakable container launching, and other newtechnologies to increase the number of missiles carried by ships.
C802 shore-to-ship missile which employs a small turbojet engine in placeof the original solid rocket engine, providing a three-fold increase in rangeto 120 km.
Iran may have imported as many as 100 C-801s and eight launchers in 1987-88, and by1994 it was claimed that Iran had about 200 C-801 missiles as well as the ability toproduce the C-801 indigenously [under the designation "Tondar"]. Other reports in 1996suggest that China was assisting Iran with a new antiship cruise missile -- the "Karus" --which believed to be based on the C-801 and/or C-802. In June 1997 Iran tested twoChinese-built C-801 air-launched cruise missiles from an F-4 fighter.
The submarine-launched "Yingji no 8, model 3" anti-submarine missile officially passedthe first-phase system acceptance tests early in 1997. Taiwan sources claim that Chinamade the Yingji no. 8 by modifying the French "Exocet" missile. The hit probability isexpected to be higher than the missiles currently used by Chinese forces. The preciseapplication of the YJ-8 designation remains somewhat obscure, as it is used withreference to both C-801 and C-802 missiles, and may be the overall designator for theweapon system that fires both types of missiles.
SpecificationsContractor CHETA - China Hai Yang [Sea Eagle] Electro-
Mechanical Technology - CASC 3rd Academy
Entered Service
Total length 5.81 m
Diameter 0.36 m
Wingspan 1.18 m
Weight 625 kg (not including booster)
Warhead Weight 165 kg HE
Propulsion one solid rocket engine, one solid booster
Maximum Speed
Maximum effectiverange 8-42 km
Guidance mode automatic control + homing
Single-shot hitprobability 75%
C-802 / YJ-2 / Ying Ji-802CSS-C-8 / SACCADEC-8xx / YJ-22The Ying-Ji-802 land attack and anti-ship cruise missile [Western designationSACCADE], is an improved version of the C-801 which employs a small turbojet enginein place of the original solid rocket engine. The weight of the subsonic (0.9 Mach)Yingji-802 is reduced from 815 kilograms to 715 kilograms, but its range is increasedfrom 42 kilometers to 120 kilometers. The 165 kg. (363 lb.) warhead is just as powerfulas the earlier version. Since the missile has a small radar reflectivity and is only aboutfive to seven meters above the sea surface when it attacks the target, and since itsguidance equipment has strong anti-jamming capability, target ships have a very lowsuccess rate in intercepting the missile. The hit probability of the Yingji-802 is estimatedto be as high as 98 percent. The Yingji-802 can be launched from airplanes, ships,submarines and land-based vehicles, and is considered along with the US "Harpoon" asamong the best anti-ship missiles of the present-day world.
Following the 1991 Gulf War Iran imported the C-802 antiship cruise missile fromChina. China suspended exports in 1996 in response to comlaints by the the UnitedStates. In December 1996 Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, John Shalikashivili,warned Chinese Defense Minister General Chi Haotian that arms exports would increasedestabilizing factors in the region. No international agreement bans transfers of anti-shipmissiles, and the C-802 is not covered by the MTCR, which controls exports of ballisticand cruise missiles that can deliver 500 kg. warheads to 300 km. Iran expected topurchase 150 C-802 missiles from China but only received a half of them because of thearms suspension. By mid-1997 Iran reportedly possessed some 60 of the missilesdeployed in coastal batteries on Qeshm Island, a strategic point on the eastern side of theArabian peninsula. In 1997, General J.H. Binford Peay, Central Command commander,said that China transferred 20 patrol boats with 15 equipped with C-802 missiles(Washington Times, January 29, 1997). [Some reports claim that China may havetransferred hundreds of C-802s, although these claims are not widely attested].
In early 2000 it was reported that North Korea and Iran were jointly developing anadvanced version of the C-802 cruise missile. These missiles initially acquired by Iranwere not equipped with advanced systems, and the missiles acquired by Iran were ratheroutdated. Iran turned to North Korea for missile system technology, and the two countriesare jointly developing an upgraded version with improved accuracy. ["N. Korea, IranJointly Develop Missile: Report" Korea Times February 17, 2000]
The precise application of the YJ-8 designation remains somewhat obscure, as it is usedwith reference to both C-801 and C-802 missiles, and may be the overall designator forthe weapon system that fires both types of missiles.
The YJ-22 is a land-attack cruise missile development of the anti-ship C-802 with a400km range, and possible GPS/TM guidance currently said to be under developmentwith an IOC expected after 2005.
SpecificationsContractor CHETA - China Hai Yang [Sea Eagle] Electro-
Mechanical Technology - CASC 3rd Academy
Entered Service
Total length
Diameter
Wingspan
Weight
Warhead Weight 165 kg HE
Propulsion
Maximum Speed
Maximum effectiverange 120 km
Guidance mode
Single-shot hitprobability
C-601 / YJ-6CAS-1 KRAKENThe C-601 [Western designation KRAKEN] is China's first generation air-to-shipmissile, and is generally similar to the C-201 HY-2 surface launched missile, apart fromthe deletion of the solid-rocket booster motor which is superfluous to this air-launchedmissile. The C-601 is carried on the Hong-6D aircraft, with a combat radius of 1800-2000km, which can carry two missiles which are used for attacking large and medium-sizedsurface ships at sea. Double fire volleys greatly increases the fighting power of themissile.Regardless of the control mode used after launch, once a missile is launched from anaircraft it will fly towards the target area based on a prearranged program, relying on theterminal guidance radar in the missile to seek the target. The aircraft can immediatelyleave the combat area. The terminal guidance head uses monopulse active radar whichprovides resistance to sea waves and various types of electronic jamming. The level flightaltitude of the missile can be set at 500 meters, 70 meters or 50 meters, providing goodlow-altitude penetration capabilities. The missile can sink or seriously damage a 3,000ton or higher class cruiser or a 10,000 ton class transport ship.Development of the C601 missile series began in the mid-1960s, and in September 1975the Military Commission of the Central Committee of the CPC formally approveddevelopment work on this air-to-ship missile weapons system. After 9 years of R&D,with four hits in seven firings in 1984, design formulation flight tests were completed forthe entire weapon system. Following this the C601 "basic model" entered serialproduction
The C-611 is modified with high energy oxidizer fuel and an improved engine thatextended the firing range to 186-200 km.
SpecificationsContractor CHETA - China Hai Yang [Sea Eagle] Electro-
Mechanical Technology - CASC 3rd Academy
Entered Service
Total length 7.1 m
Diameter 0.76 m
Wingspan 2.4 m
Weight 2988 kg
Warhead Weight
Propulsion one liquid rocket engine
Maximum Speed
Maximum effectiverange
90-100 km basic C-601
Guidance mode automatic control + homing
Single-shot hitprobability
70%
C-101 / YJ-16CSS-C-5 SAPLESSY-2 / FL-2CSS-N-5The C-101 is a supersonic short range air, ground, and ship-launched anti-ship missilewith two side-mounted ramjet engines at the rear of the airframe. China acquired the C-101 missile technology in the late 1970s, and production began in the mid-1990s replaceobsolete HY-2/CSS-N-2 missiles. The Chinese Navy tested the C-101 antiship missile onthe Hoku-class fast attack craft [FAC], and Huang-class craft are being fitted with four C-101 launch tubes, while other FAC classes will carry two launch tubes. The air launchedversion has been reportedly carried on the H-5 and H-6 bombers and the SH-5amphibian. The missile is believed to have a 300 kg semi-armour-piercing warhead witha delayed impact fuse. Cruising at an altitude of 50 meters, the missile dives about 3kilometers away from the target to impact about 5 meters above the waterline.
SpecificationsContractor
Entered Service
Total length 5.8 m (19 ft)
Diameter
Wingspan 1.2 m (3 ft, 9 in)
Weight 1,850 kg
Warhead Weight 300 kg
Propulsion Ramjet
Maximum Speed Mach 2
Maximum effectiverange 45 km
Guidance mode Inertial and Active Radar
Single-shot hitprobability
C-611 / YJ-62The C-611 is a development of the Russian Raduga Kh-28 AS-9 KYLE. The C-611 ismodified with high energy oxidizer fuel and an improved engine that extended the firingrange to 186-200 km.
SpecificationsContractor CHETA - China Hai Yang [Sea Eagle] Electro-
Mechanical Technology - CASC 3rd Academy
Entered Service
Total length ~6 m
Diameter ~0.4 m
Wingspan ~1.7 m
Weight ~750 kg
Warhead Weight ~150 kg
Propulsion one liquid rocket engine
Maximum Speed 3500 km/h
Maximum effectiverange
90-100 km basic C-601185-200 km improved C-611
Guidance mode automatic control + homing
Single-shot hitprobability 70%
C-701The C-701 light-weight anti-ship missile measures 2.5 meters long, less than half that ofthe Yingji-801. The diameter of the missile is also much smaller. It has a range of 15kilometers and a cruising speed of Mach 0.8. It uses television guidance control and isanti-jamming capability is comparable to that of the US Maverick missile. However, theC-701 can be launched from ships and planes, unlike the air-to-surface Maverick. The C-701 antiship missile was first exhibited at China's Second International Aviation andAerospace Show held in Zhuhai late 1998.
SpecificationsContractor
Entered Service
Total length 2.5 meters
Diameter
Wingspan
Weight 100 kg
Warhead Weight
Propulsion
Maximum Speed Mach 0.8
Maximum effectiverange 15 kilometers
Guidance mode television
Single-shot hitprobability
CY-1The CY-1 is an anti-submarine rocket carried on a variety of surface platforms, includingthe Luda class missile destroyer and Jiangwei class missile patrol combatants.
FL-7 Feilong-7China and Russia are the only two countries to have successfully developed supersonicanti-ship missiles, which represent the future direction of anti-ship weapons. Themajority of anti-ship missiles are high subsonic. In addition to developing the C-101 andC-301 supersonic anti-ship missiles which are fairly large in size, China has developedthe more compact Feilong (Flying Dragon)-7 supersonic anti-ship missile which can becarried on airplanes and warships. The Feilong-7 has an effective range of 32 kilometersand a speed of Mach 1.4. It has powerful anti-jamming capability and its supersonic flightmakes terminal interception difficult. The warhead of the "Feilong-7" can pierce solidarmor and destroy large and medium-sized surface warships.
It was reported in 1996 that Iran had begun indigenous production of a medium-rangeantiship missile, the FL-10, based on the Chinese FL-2 or FL7 and developed withChinese technical assistance.
SpecificationsContractor
Entered Service
Total length
Diameter
Wingspan
Weight
Warhead Weight
Propulsion
Maximum Speed Mach 1.4
Maximum effectiverange 32 kilometers
Guidance mode
Single-shot hitprobability
C-201 / HY-2 / SY-1CSS-N-2 / CSS-C-3 / SEERSUCKERThe C-201 is a mid-range ground-, air-, and ship-launched cruise missile developed onthe basis of the HY-1, with the primary difference being a longer fuselage accomodatinga correspondingly greater propellant capacity. Apart fromt the longer fuselage, the overallconfiguration of the C-201 missile is similar to the HY-1, with two delta wings andtriform rudder and tail. C-201 anti-ship cruise missile variants include the SY-1A [ShangYou] for ship launch and the land based HY-2.
The HY-2 [Hongying / Hai Ying] coast-to-ship defensive tactical missile weapon system -- with the Western designation "Seersucker" -- is employed at coastal fortifications, basesor islands to attack enemy surface ships. The system features long range coverage and alarge firing sector (+/-85o, enabling one missile battalion to cover a blockaded ocean areaof 14,000 square kilometers. After the missile is fired, ground guidance and control arenot necessary, and the firing position can remain concealed.
The PLAN has three categories of frigates-Jiangwei-class, Jianghu III- and IV-class, andJianghu I-class. All of these are armed either with surface-to-surface missiles (SSMs) YJ-1 (Eagle Strike) or Hy-2 (C-201).
The level flight altitude of the missile is low, and the system's anti-jam capabilities areeffective against electronic countermeasures. The missile's large warhead can sink orseverely damage a 3,000 ton class destroyer.
After 5 years of development the program achieved six hits in seven firings in 1970,when the missile passed final design testing. Based on the combat requirements of Navyforces, a series of modified designs of the HY-2 basic model were developed andproduced.
HY-2A terminal guidance radar of the prototype missile was modified intoa passive infrared target seeker which effectively raised the concealmentand anti-jamming capabilities of the missile. The interception performanceof this missile within guidance range can realize omnidirectional attackson ship targets at sea.
HY-2B the conical scanning terminal guidance radar of the prototypemissile was modified to an advanced monopulse system radar whichimproved its resistance sea waves interference and various forms ofelectronic jamming.
HY-2C terminal guidance radar of the prototype missile was modified intoa television-equipped target seeker which was able to effectively raise theconcealment and anti-jamming capabilities of the missile as well asincrease its hit probability.
HY-2G uses a high precision radio altimeter so that the level flightaltitude of the missile can be lowered to 30-50 meters, raising penetrationcapabilities.
The HY-2 missile is also the basis for modified test aircraft and target missiles withvarious functions.
During the Iran-Iraq War, one of China's most controversial arms transfers involved theHY-2 antiship missile, commonly [and improperly] referred to in the media as the"Silkworm." The first of several HY-2 shipments was delivered in the summer of 1986,and in October 1987 an American-owned tanker under the Liberian flag and a Kuwaititanker under the US flag, the Sea Isle City, were hit by Iranian HY-2 missiles. Chinarespomded to American complaints by claiming that the weapons had been supplied byNorth Korea. Although in March 1988 China stated that it would not sell antiship cruisemissiles to Iran, HY-2 transfers reportedly continued through 1989. In early 1988 Iranclaimed the capacity to manufacture HY-2s and other antiship cruise missilesindigenously. It is currently estimated that Iran has about 100 HY-2 missiles on eight toten mobile missile launchers deployed on the north side of the Straits of Hormuz.
SpecificationsContractor CHETA - China Hai Yang [Sea Eagle] Electro-
Mechanical Technology - CASC 3rd Academy
Entered Service
Total length 7.36 m
Diameter 0.76 m
Wingspan 2.4 m
Weight 2988 kg
Warhead Weight
Propulsion one liquid rocket engine and one solid rocket booster
Maximum Speed
Maximum effectiverange 95-100km
Guidance mode autocontrol + homing
Single-shot hitprobability > 70%
C-301 / HY-3CSS-C-6 / SAWHORSEThe C-301 / HY-3 [Western CSSC-X-6] is a supersonic coastal defence anti-ship missilewith four solid rocket boosters and two ramjet sustainer engines located aft of the missilebody. The booster motors accelerate the missile to past Mach 1.8 and the kerosene-fueledramjet engines accelerate the missile to a cruise speed of Mach 2.0. Its range is variouslyreported as up to 180 km, and it can fly as low as 50 meters in its terminal attack phase.The missile is programmed to dive from cruising altitude to under 100 feet before theactive-radar terminal phase begins, then dive onto the target just prior to impact. Whiletest flights of this missile have been conducted, the operational status of the systemremains unclear.
SpecificationsContractor
Entered Service under development
Total length 9.85 meters
Diameter
Wingspan 2.24 meters
Weight 3,400 kg
Warhead 300-500 kg Semi AP HE
Propulsion two side-mounted ramjet enginesfour solid propellant boost motors
Maximum Speed Mach 2.0
Maximum effectiverange 100-180 km
Guidance mode Inertial and Active Radar
Single-shot hitprobability
C-201 / HY-4CSS-C-7 / SADSACKThe HY-4 variant of the C-201 is a mid-range ground-, air-, and ship-launched cruisemissile. Development of the C-201 HY-4 is believed to have started in the mid-1970s,replacing the C-201 HY-2 liquid propellant sustainer motor with a small turbojet engine,and adding a the monopulse active radar seeker. Apart fromt the substitution of theturbojet engine, the overall configuration of the HY-4 variant of the C-201 missile issimilar to the HY-2 variants of the C-201, with two delta wings and triform rudder andtail. The missile has a radio altimeter which allows the cruise height to be varied between70 and 200 m altitude, followed by a steep dive onto the target. Reports suggest that animproved version of the HY-4, known as XW-41 is no in development.An improved version of the HY-4, known as the XW-41 is, in development. This missileis said to feature a 300km range with GPS guidance.
SpecificationsContractor CHETA - China Hai Yang [Sea Eagle] Electro-
Mechanical Technology - CASC 3rd Academy
Entered Service
Total length 7.36 m
Diameter 0.76 m
Wingspan 2.4 m
Weight 1740 kg
Warhead Weight 500 kg
Propulsion one turbojet engine andone solid rocket booster
Maximum Speed
Maximum effectiverange [HY-4 up to 150km]
Guidance mode autocontrol + homing
Single-shot hitprobability > 70%
