Shaanxi KJ-500
Airborne early warning and control aircraft
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Shaanxi KJ-500 (Chinese: 空警-500; pinyin: Kōngjǐng Wǔbǎi; literally: "Air Warning 500"), also known as Qianliyan-500[2] (Chinese: 千里眼-500; pinyin: qiān lǐ yǎn-500; lit. 'All-seeing-500') is a third-generation airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft used by the Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). It was built by Shaanxi Aircraft Corporation,[3] and is based on the Y-9 airframe.
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| KJ-500 | |
|---|---|
| KJ-500 | |
| General information | |
| Type | Airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) |
| National origin | China |
| Manufacturer | Shaanxi Aircraft Corporation |
| Number built | 60+[1] |
| History | |
| Developed from | Shaanxi Y-9 |
Development
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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 began developing the KJ-500, China's third AEW&C model, in the late 2000s. The KJ-500 was required to have three important features, including good detection capability, good identification, and quick responsiveness. The KJ-500 was also required to be the core force of the information combat system; its equipment was required to have characteristics of networking, multi-functionality, high-integration, and lightweight.[4]
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 in 2018 in response to the KJ-500 reaching full operational capability.[5]
In April 2018, China began testing KJ-500A,[6] an improved variant with aerial refueling capability and other sensor enhancements.[7] By August 2018, at least two units were built. The KJ-500A reportedly entered service in late 2020. As of 2023, the KJ-500A had become the production standard with 7-8 airframes built.[6]
Operational history
In March 2022, General Kenneth Wilsbach, commander of U.S. Pacific Air Forces, identified the KJ-500 as an enabler for long-range Chinese air-to-air missiles.[8]
Export and potential sales
Variants
- KJ-500
- Base variant
- KJ-500H
- Variant for PLA Navy.[12]
- KJ-500A
- Improved variant with an aerial refueling probe. Debut in Zhuhai Airshow 2022.[7]
Operators
- People's Liberation Army Air Force - 40 KJ-500[1]
- People's Liberation Army Naval Air Force - 20+ KJ-500H[13]