Wan Chien
Taiwanese air-launched cruise missile
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The Wan Chien (Chinese: 萬劍; Tâi-lô: Bān-kiàm; lit. 'ten thousand swords') is an air to ground cruise missile developed and produced by the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) of Taiwan.[2][3][4][5]
| Wan Chien | |
|---|---|
IDF with Wan Chien | |
| Type | Air-launched cruise missile Air-to-ground missile |
| Place of origin | Taiwan |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2011 – present |
| Used by | Republic of China Air Force |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 650 kg (1,433 lb) |
| Length | 350 cm (138 in) |
| Diameter | 610 mm (24 in) |
| Wingspan | 1,500 mm (59 in) |
| Warhead | 350kg of submunitions |
| Engine | Turbofan |
Operational range | 240 km (130 nmi) 400 km (220 nmi) (Upgraded version)[1] |
| Maximum speed | subsonic |
Guidance system | GPS and inertial guidance |
Design and development
It partly resembles the AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon and the Storm Shadow. Serial production was expected to start in 2015.[2][6] Full operational capability was declared in 2018. It is functional in both a ground strike role and a naval strike role.[7] The codename for the development and initial production of the Wan Chien was "Project God’s Axe" (神斧).[8]
After the completion of initial production NCSIST began working on a long range variant with a 400km range.[8]
Service history
The Wan Chien entered service in 2011. The primary launch platform is the AIDC F-CK-1 C/D.[9]
In 2022 annual production was approximately 50 missiles a year. Production was expected to end in 2024 but in 2023 funds were allocated to extend production of the improved version through 2028. [10]
General characteristics
See also
- Hsiung Feng II – (Taiwan)
- AGM-158 JASSM – (United States)
- Storm Shadow – (France, United Kingdom)
- Taurus KEPD 350 – (Sweden, Germany)
- Ra'ad – (Pakistan)