| HQ-17 | |
|---|---|
 Serbian Armed Forces HQ-17AE | |
| Type | Surface-to-air missile |
| Place of origin | China |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2015 – present |
| Used by | China |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC) |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | ~ 165 kg |
| Length | ~ 2.9 m |
| Diameter | ~ 0.23 m |
| Warhead | ~ 15 kg HE-FRAG |
| Engine | rocket motor |
| Propellant | solid fuel |
Operational range | 1.5 km to 20 km |
| Flight altitude | 10 m to 10 km |
| Maximum speed | Mach 3 |
Guidance system | Semi-active radar homing |
Launch platform | TEL (HQ-17) 6x6 Wheeled Platform (HQ-17A) |
TheHQ-17 (simplified Chinese:红旗-17;traditional Chinese:紅旗-17;pinyin:Hóng Qí-17;lit. 'Red Banner-17';NATO reporting name:CH-SA-15)[1] is an all-weather, low to medium altitude,short-rangesurface-to-air missile system derived from theTor-M1.[2][3] The system is developed by theChina Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC).[4]
In 1996, China ordered 14 Tor-M1 missile systems fromRussia, delivered under contract in 1997. In 1999, another contract for 13 Tor-M1 systems was signed between Russia and China. Delivery of the systems took place in 2000.[5]
Around 2000, China sought to license-produce the Tor-M1 missile system locally; however, Russia reportedly refused. As a result, China decided to reverse-engineer the missile system.[2]
The HQ-17 was incorporated intoChinese army service around early 2013.[6] The system's existence was confirmed by the Chinese military in 2015.[3] An export variant, called FM-2000, was displayed at theZhuhai Airshow in 2018.[7] In 2019, during China's70th anniversary parade, the HQ-17A wheeled variant was publicly unveiled.[8]
The HQ-17 features various improvements over the Tor-M1 system. The HQ-17 incorporates an indigenous all-terrain tracked launch vehicle, a newidentification friend or foe (IFF) antenna on top of the search radar, anelectronically scanned array radar for better performance against jamming, and the ability to datalink with other Chinese systems.[9][7]
A typical HQ-17 air defense battery consists of one command vehicle, 4 missile launch vehicles, 2 NG-80 reloading vehicles, 2 NG-80 ammunition transport vehicles, and other support vehicles.[10] Although a battery of the HQ-17 usually operates independently, it can also receive data-linked targeting data from surveillance radars.[2]
The HQ-17 is designed to keep up with mechanized troops like tank battalions to provide air cover on the move, as well as protect critical military premises.[3]
The HQ-17 missile is physically similar to the Tor-M1, with a weight of around 165 kg, a length of around 2.9 m, and a diameter of around 0.23 m. Its slant range for intercepting flying aerial targets is 1.5 km to 15 km, slightly longer than the Tor-M1, and operates at an altitude of 10 m to 10 km.[7]
The missile guidance system comprisessemi-active radar homing by either the tracking radar, the television sight, or the thermal sight on the launch vehicle.
Each vehicle carries 2 x 4 missile canisters for a total of 8 missiles, which can be reloaded 4 missiles at a time by a Shaanxi SX2306 reloading truck equipped with a crane.[11]
Each launch vehicle carries onePESA search radar and oneAESA guidance radar. The Chinese PESA search radar has a longer range than the original Tor system, with a detection range of 45 km. The system can monitor up to 48 targets, track 24 targets, and engage 2 targets simultaneously.[12] Other tracking devices includelaser rangefinder, a thermal tracking sight and a television tracking sight.[6]
The launch vehicle of the HQ-17 integrates both missile and radar systems on a single chassis, capable of operating independently without other battery vehicles.
The tracked chassis weighs around 32 metric tons and has dimensions of 8 m long, 3.2 m tall, and 4 m wide. It is reportedly powered by a roughly 750-800 hp diesel engine and has a maximum speed of 65 km/h and a range of 600 km.[2]
The wheeled launch vehicle is produced byDongfeng Motor Corporation and is a 6x6 chassis similar to a BelarusianMZKT-6922. The vehicle weighs around 30 tons and is about 9.7 m long, 3.1 m tall, and 3.7 m wide. The vehicle includes anall-wheel drive transmission, acentral tire inflation system, and a lightly armored hull that protects against small arms fire and shell splinters. It is reportedly powered by a diesel engine of roughly 400 horsepower and has a maximum speed of 80 km/h and a range of 800 km.[13][11]
One major improvement of the wheeled variant was the capability to fire on the move.[citation needed]
The HQ-17 tracked version and HQ-17A wheeled version are both currently in service in thePeople's Liberation Army Ground Force.
In May 2021, around two batteries of HQ-17A entered service in China'sXinjiang Military Command at an altitude of more than 4500 m alongside two batteries ofPHL-11 MLRS.[14]
