| KJ-500 | |
|---|---|
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| KJ-500 | |
| Role | Airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) Type of aircraft |
| National origin | China |
| Manufacturer | Shaanxi Aircraft Corporation |
| Number built | 60+[1] |
| Developed from | Shaanxi Y-9 |
TheShaanxi KJ-500 (Chinese: 空警-500; pinyin: Kōngjǐng Wǔbǎi; literally: "Air Warning 500") is a third-generationairborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft used by theChinesePeople's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). It was built byShaanxi Aircraft Corporation,[2] and is based on theY-9airframe.
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 ofair-to-air missiles and low-altitudecruise 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 threeAESA radar arrays for 360-degree coverage and is said to be more efficient than the two-planar 'balance beam' array design used on the earlierKJ-200. Production of older AEW&C types reportedly ceased production in 2018 in response to the KJ-500 reaching full operational capability.[4]
In March 2022, GeneralKenneth Wilsbach, commander of U.S.Pacific Air Forces, identified the KJ-500 as enablers for long-range Chinese air-to-air missiles.[5]
Limited performance parameters of KJ-500 have been published as follows:[9]
