Improving the air defense system of the People's Republic of China against the background of strategic rivalry with the United States (part 2)
In the 90 of the last century, the leadership of the People's Republic of China set a course for a radical modernization of the armed forces. First of all, this affected the Air Defense Forces and the Air Force, which along with the strategic forces of nuclear deterrence play the greatest role in ensuring the defense capability of the state and most fully reflect the level of development of scientific, technical, and production and technological potential.
After the normalization of relations between our countries, China became the largest purchaser of Russian combat aircraft and long-range anti-aircraft systems. But in order to effectively control the actions of fighters and anti-aircraft missile systems, not only modern ground-based radars were required, coupled with automated command and control and information exchange points, but also flying radars combining the functions of air command centers - long-range radar detection and control aircraft.
In the Soviet Union DRLO airplanes based on the Tu-114 airliner appeared as far back as the 60s. But in China, an attempt to create a “flying radar” based on a Tu-4 long-range bomber ended in failure, and there were no PLA aircraft in this class before the beginning of the 21 century. At the end of the 80-x in the USSR, an export modification of the AWACS-A-50E aircraft was created specifically for foreign customers, with a simplified radio-technical complex and without ZAS equipment. However, Chinese specialists, having familiarized themselves with the radio engineering complex of this machine, built on not the newest element base, considered that it would be more rational to use the Il-76TD basic platform, combining it with more modern Israeli-made equipment. After quite a long consultation, in 1997, a tripartite contract was signed for the creation of an aviation early warning complex, which received the preliminary designation A-50I. The contractors were the Israeli firm Elta and the Russian TANTK them. Gm Beriev. The Russian side pledged to prepare a Serial A-50 for re-equipment, while the Israelis were to install EL / M-205 PHALCON radar, a data processing complex and communications equipment on it.
Unlike the Soviet Aircraft AH-50, the Israeli EL / M-205 radar antenna was to be placed in a fixed disk-shaped fairing with a diameter of 11,5 m (more than the A-50), with three AFAR forming an equilateral triangle. According to the manufacturer’s specifications, the Israeli radar of the decimeter range (1,2-1,4 GHz), in combination with high-performance computing facilities and special noise reduction devices, should have made it possible to detect “difficult” low-altitude air targets: cruise missiles and airplanes developed using small radar technology visibility. In addition, the Chinese DRLO aircraft were supposed to be equipped with modern electronic reconnaissance equipment, which made it possible to monitor land and shipborne radars and listen to radio communications. The cost of one IL-76TD aircraft with an Israeli RTC was $ 250 million. In total, the PLA Air Force intended to order four DRLO and U aircraft.
The practical implementation of the joint contract began in 1999, when A-50 from the Russian Air Force with the board number "44", after dismantling the Soviet radio-technical complex and overhaul, flew to Israel. According to the schedule, the first DRLO aircraft with an Israeli radar, an electronic reconnaissance station and communications equipment had to be transferred to the Chinese side at the end of 2000. But already during the implementation of the program, the Americans intervened, and already with the high technical readiness of the complex in the summer of 2000, the Israeli side announced a unilateral withdrawal from the project. That, in addition to sensitive financial losses, had a negative effect on Israel’s reputation as a reliable supplier of weapons, and the aircraft already ready for refit was returned to China.
After the refusal of Israel to jointly create on the basis of Il-76TD DRLO planes, the Chinese specialists continued the project independently. Apparently, some materials on the Israeli radar got into the PRC, as the Chinese radar complex of the aircraft, called KJ-2000 (“Kun Jing” - “Sky of Eyes”), largely repeated the version proposed by Israeli designers. As planned, the aircraft received a radar with AFAR in a non-rotating disc-shaped fairing.
Inside the fairing there are three antenna modules. Each module allows you to view the space in the sector 120 °. Thanks to electronic beam scanning, the radar is able to perform all-round visibility. Radar radiating elements are cooled by an oncoming flow of air through special channels.
According to the information sounded by the Chinese media, the radar created in Nanjing Research Institute No. 14 is capable of detecting targets at a distance of more than 400 km and simultaneously accompanying air and surface objects to 100. It is reported that the DRLO aircraft can also be used to record ballistic missile launches and calculate their flight paths. Thus, during the tests, it was possible to timely detect a ballistic missile launched at a distance of 1200 km.
As in the Russian A-50, the Chinese KJ-2000 has a satellite communications antenna in the upper, front part of the fuselage behind the cockpit. There is no reliable information about the interaction capabilities of the communications equipment of the Chinese DRLO aircraft based on Il-76MD with ground-based air defense systems and interceptors, but Chinese sources state that one KJ-2000 is able to control the actions of several dozen combat aircraft. Operators' workplaces are equipped with color liquid-crystal displays, and the construction of trails for air targets occurs in automatic mode and using high-performance computing tools. The patrol working height is 5000 - 10000 m. Maximum range 5000 km. At a distance of 2000 km from its airfield, the aircraft can remain on patrol for 1 hours 25 minutes. The maximum flight duration is no more than 8 hours. In contrast to the Soviet A-50, the KJ-2000 initially did not provide for an in-flight refueling system, which, with a sufficiently high specific fuel consumption, significantly limits the patrol time.
In total, for the PLA Air Force, 4 heavy DRLO and U aircraft were built on the IL-76TD platform. In the past, they often participated in large-scale exercises, and were permanently based in the eastern province of Zhejiang near the Taiwan Strait. At the moment, the available KJ-2000 has already been withdrawn from the PLA Air Force combat deployment.
Satellite image of Google Air: DRLO KJ-2000 aircraft in the memorial complex of the factory airfield Xian
Judging from satellite images of the factory airfield Xi'an, in the province of Shenxi, specializing among other things in testing, fine-tuning and repairing airplanes of AEW, one KJ-2000 is installed at the "perpetual station" along with other aircraft models, which were built at different times at the enterprises of Xi'an aviation industrial corporation. Radar equipment was dismantled from the remaining three DRLO airplanes, built on the basis of IL-76TD, and these vehicles can be used as transport and flying laboratories.
Back in 2013, the media leaked information that work on a new heavy DRLO aircraft based on a new heavy military transport aircraft Y-20 was under way in the PRC. This car is often compared to the American Boeing C-17 Globemaster III. Perspective aircraft AWACS and U on the platform Y-20 received the designation KJ-3000.
How far this program has progressed is unknown. To hide such a large aircraft with radome fairing from space reconnaissance means is unrealistic, and apparently its testing has not yet begun. At the same time, more than a dozen Y-20 transports have already accumulated at the factory airfield of Xi'an, and some of them may well be used to create new DRLO aircraft.
Simultaneously with the development of the “heavy” KJ-2000 radar patrol aircraft on the Il-76TD platform in the PRC, work was carried out on the “medium” DRLO aircraft based on the four-engine turboprop medium military transport aircraft (an upgraded Chinese version of the An-12). Unlike the USSR, where the An-12 serial construction was completed in 70-s, in China, the release of modernized versions of this very successful machine continues to this day. Chinese engineers have developed modern versions with an extended cargo compartment and economical engines that fully meet modern requirements, and in terms of fuel efficiency, they significantly surpass transport aircraft with turbojet engines.
The prototype of the AWED turboprop aircraft, designated KJ-200, first flew on November 8 2001. The radar antenna with AFAR has a "log-like" shape, resembling the enlarged antenna of the Swedish radar of the Ericsson PS-890 radar. In front of the radome radar is an air intake for cooling the radiating elements of the incident air flow.
The first built aircraft AWACS on the basis of the Y-8-200 was actually a "flying laboratory" designed to test the radar complex, and was not equipped with all the necessary set of communication and information display facilities. Serial KJ-200s were to be built on the basis of the more advanced military transport modification Y-8F-600. This model was equipped with more powerful and economical Pratt & Whitney Canada PW150B engines with 6-blade propellers, a "glass" cockpit and additional fuel tanks.
In 2005, tests of the second pre-production specimen began. The process of fine-tuning the radar and communications equipment of the aircraft went at a very high rate until 3 June 2006, the prototype crashed, crashing into a mountain near the village of Yao in Anhui province. In the crash killed high-ranking PLA Air Force officers and prominent designers. This disaster, which took the lives of 40 people, became the largest in the number of victims in the newest stories The PLA Air Force seriously braked the tests of the KJ-200 aircraft. According to the official version, published after the decoding of “black boxes”, the imperfection of the anti-icing system was the cause of the loss of controllability of the aircraft. On the following production aircraft KJ-200, in addition to the changes made to the anti-icing equipment, the tail area was increased.
The official adoption of the KJ-200 took place in 2009 year, after the construction of four DRLO aircraft. A KJ-200 aircraft with a maximum take-off weight of about 65 t when refueling 25 t of aviation fuel can be in the air for 10 hours and cover the distance 5000 km. The maximum airspeed is 620 km / h, the patrol speed is 500 km / h, the ceiling is 10200 m. The crew consists of 4 people of the crew, another 6 people are engaged in servicing the radio complex.
Compared to DRLO airplanes based on Saab 340 and Saab 2000, which also feature a log-like antenna radar, the Y-8F-600 glider provides large areas for installing radio-electronic equipment, operator consoles and personnel recreation areas. According to information published in Chinese sources, the radar installed on KJ-200 is capable of detecting air targets at a distance of more than 300 km. Data on the air situation, after processing over the air, is transmitted to consumers in the person of the air defense command post and fighter aviation control points. It is believed that one KJ-200 is capable of simultaneously directing targets up to 15 interceptors.
Satellite image of Google Environment: DRLO KJ-200 and KJ-2000 airplanes parked at the air base near Beijing, the picture was taken in 2009
At the major exercises of the air defense forces, which took place in August 2009 in the north-east of China, the KJ-200 and KJ-2000 aircraft were tested for their ability to control the actions of combat aircraft and anti-aircraft missile systems. The exercises revealed both the strengths and weaknesses of the “airborne radar posts” at that time in the PLA Air Force. Quite predictably, the KJ-2000 with a more powerful radar and able to patrol at a higher altitude detected high-altitude aerial targets at a range of about 30% more than the radio-technical complex of the turboprop KJ-200. At the same time, the "tactical" aircraft AWACS KJ-200 was better suited for conducting routine patrol flights. Its more efficient engines allowed it to hang longer in the air, and it turned out to be much cheaper to operate and took less time to prepare for re-departure. One of the main drawbacks of KJ-200, according to experts, is the limited number of communication channels that exchange information with ground command posts and interceptors that are in the air. In addition, the design features of the "log-like" antenna with AFAR is the presence of "dead" zones. Since the radar viewing angle on each side is 150 °, there are not viewed areas in the nose and tail parts of the aircraft. This forces you to constantly fly "oval" or "eight". But with a sharp change in the course by an AEW aircraft, or active maneuvering of the target in the horizontal plane, there is a possibility that the tracking will be disrupted. Taking into account the antenna radiation patterns, it is optimal to use two KJ-200 airplanes at the same time, which duplicate each other when making turns.
Despite these shortcomings, the PLA Air Force Command ordered an additional batch of DRLO KJ-200 aircraft, currently 10 vehicles of this type are in service. According to the US military, KJ-200 is actively involved in patrol flights in the northeast of China and over the disputed islands. In February, the X-NUMX pilots of the American base patrol aircraft P-2017 Orion announced a dangerous approach to the KJ-3 over the South China Sea.
Over the years that have passed since the introduction of the KJ-200 DRLO aircraft, the Chinese military have managed to appreciate all the advantages and features of this car. The accumulated operating experience allowed us to form an understanding of what should be the modern aircraft of the radar patrol and control "tactical level", and proceed to the creation of more advanced machines of this class. According to the views of the PLA Air Force Command, the DRLO aircraft created on the platform of an average turboprop military transport aircraft, with moderate operating costs, should be able to operate for a long time at a considerable distance from its base. In this case, it is imperative to equip it with a circular radar, a system for refueling in the air and a wide range of electronic reconnaissance and jamming.
All these requirements were taken into account when creating the DRLO KJ-500 aircraft presented to the general public in 2014. Like the KJ-200, the “tactical” KJ-500 is built on the basis of the military transport Y-8F-600. The main external differences are the circular radar plate, the presence of an aerodynamic ridge in the tail section to compensate for the loss of ground stability and flat antennas of a radio intelligence station.
In fact, when creating the KJ-500, the most successful solutions were used, which were previously tested on the KJ-2000 and KJ-200 aircraft, and also took into account the shortcomings of these machines. From the KJ-2000 borrowed the principle of the location of the radar antenna, and the operation of the KJ-200 allowed to work out the most optimal layout of the "average" DRLO aircraft and tactics of use.
The creation and launching into mass production of a radio-technical complex, the basis of which is a three-dimensional radar with an AFAR, providing electronic scanning in height and azimuth, is considered a great success in the PRC. At the same time, the viewing sector of each of the three flat antenna arrays, joined in the form of an isosceles triangle, is at least 140 °. Thus, they mutually overlap adjacent sectors and provide a circular view.
It must be said that the Chinese experts considered a variant with a classic rotating radar antenna located in a plate-shaped radome. The DRLO aircraft of such a layout was successfully tested and serially built for Pakistan under the designation ZDK-03 Karakorum.
Currently, KJ-500 is being mass produced at a plant in Chendu, Shanxi Province. Judging by satellite imagery, the pace of construction of KJ-500 aircraft is very high. At the moment, more than 10 machines have been delivered to the customer.
The real characteristics of the KJ-500 are unknown, but it can be assumed that its flight data is at the level of KJ-200. According to information provided by Global Security, the detection range of the radar with AFAR can reach 500 km, and the number of simultaneously accompanied targets compared to KJ-200 increased three times. The miniaturization of the radio element base and the success of Chinese developers in the field of creating compact high-performance computing systems made it possible to equip the KJ-500 with highly sophisticated on-board equipment. A number of western experts write that in terms of range, noise immunity and number of communication channels, the KJ-500 may be close to, or even surpass, the latest E-2 Hawkeye American carrier-based aircraft. But at the same time, the Chinese aircraft is much larger and heavier than the “Improved Hockey,” which allows it to carry additional radio intelligence stations and be on duty longer.
Although the PRC is developing a heavy “strategic” KJ-3000 aircraft, the Chinese military have relied on the “tactical” KJ-500, created on a relatively inexpensive Y-8F-600 platform with economical turboprop engines. Such an approach makes it possible to quickly feed troops with DRLO airplanes, push aside the lines of detection of air targets and increase the effectiveness of control of air defense forces. Already, in terms of the number of operational radar detection and control aircraft, China surpasses our country. According to open sources, in 2018, the structure of the VKS RF had 5 upgraded А-50У and 14 А-50, built during the Soviet era. It should be understood that most of the old А-50 is close to developing a resource, now it is a “real estate” and will not be modernized. In addition, critics of the A-50U program note that when creating an updated radio-technical complex, the share of foreign-made components was unacceptably high. That in the conditions of the introduction of the sanctions regime against our country can greatly slow down the process of modernization.
At the moment, in the PLA Air Force, the strength of the KJ-200 and KJ-500 is approaching two dozen, and the combat readiness of these aircraft is very high. Given the pace of construction of aircraft KJ-500, it can be assumed that in 5 years their number will double. At the same time, the number of “heavy” KJ-3000 on the Y-20 heavy transporter platform is unlikely to exceed 5 units. It is obvious that the Chinese military leadership, having sufficient financial resources, still showed pragmatism and did not rely on unique in its characteristics, but extremely expensive heavy DRLO and U aircraft (the Soviet A-50 cost about 2 times more expensive than a strategic bomber Tu-160), and for cheaper and more massive "medium" airborne systems of the radar patrol and control.
After Israel’s refusal to cooperate in the creation of a joint radio-technical complex for the A-50I aircraft, the PRC leadership set before the developers the task of localizing the production of all components of electronic equipment for DRLO aircraft in the PRC. In 2014, it was stated that this task was completed. On new Chinese DRLO planes computers and software developed and manufactured in China are used in computing systems. For unification and simplification of interaction on different types of aircraft, common communication and information systems are used. This approach allows you to get rid of foreign dependence, reduce the cost of production, facilitate maintenance and improve information security.
At the beginning of 2017, not very high-quality photos of the Chinese carrier-based aircraft DRLO KJ-600 appeared on the network, on the basis of which its appearance was reconstructed.
Earlier in China, a flying laboratory JZY-01 was observed on the basis of the Y-7 transport (a copy of the An-26). This "flying stand" was intended for the development of the radio engineering complex and constructive solutions, which were planned to be used in the future to create the DRLO carrier-based aircraft. A total of two prototypes were built. If the first prototype except the radar antenna had no visible differences from the Y-7 aircraft, then on the second experimental machine, the tail plumage in its configuration resembles the American “Hokai”. At the moment, this aircraft is parked at the factory airfield Xian.
Satellite image GoGle Air: experimental aircraft ARLO JZY-01 at the factory airfield Xi'an
It is not known how far Chinese designers have advanced in creating the deck aircraft of the radar patrol, but on the "deck" of a concrete copy of an aircraft carrier in the vicinity of the city of Wuhan, a model of such a machine has already appeared.
Satellite image GoGle Air: a concrete copy of an aircraft carrier in the vicinity of the city of Wuhan
According to the data sounded in the People's Republic of China, the maximum take-off weight of the KJ-600 aircraft will not exceed 25 t. Its maximum speed can reach 700 km / h, and the speed during patrolling is 350-400 km / h. The practical flight range of the KJ-600 is about 2500 km, which will make it possible to conduct combat duty at a distance of 500 km from the take-off point for approximately 2-2,5 hours. It is not known when the KJ-600 DRLO aircraft actually enters the combat squadron, but in the West it is believed that this machine will be able to be based not only on Chinese aircraft carriers, but can also be adopted by the PLA Air Force. The aircraft of the radar patrol with a shortened take-off and landing is capable of operating from field airfields in the interests of tactical aviation and front-line air defense.
At the moment, the duties of the "airborne radar picket" on the Chinese aircraft carrier "Liaoning" are assigned to the AEW helicopters Z-18J. The Z-18 helicopter is an option for further development of the Z-8, which in turn is a licensed copy of the SA 321 Super Frelon heavy transport helicopter. The antenna of the radar is located in the zone of the folding tail frame and is lowered to the working position when the vehicle is in the air. The detection range of air targets is 250-270 km.
Another area being developed in the PRC is the creation of heavy drones AWACS. In 2012, a Xianglong (Soaring Dragon) UAV took off in Chengdu. Although in China this drone is compared with the American RQ-4 Global Hawk, the Soaring Dragon is inferior to the American heavy UAV in terms of range and flight duration.
The Xianglong UAV is equipped with a wing of the original shape that combines the closed wing of a regular and reverse sweep. The wing consists of two planes located one above the other and interconnected by curved rings. This form of the wing has a large lifting force and can significantly reduce fuel consumption and increase the duration of the flight. With a take-off weight of about 7500 kg, the Chinese unit is able to rise to a height of 18300 meters and cover a distance of more than 7000 km. Maximum speed 750 km / h. It is reported that the main element of the payload will be radar with active phased arrays of the conformal type. In addition, an unmanned aerial vehicle can be used to relay information from land, ship and airborne radars.
In 2015, information appeared on the network that Divine Eagle ("Divine Eagle") tests began in Shenyang. Compared to the Soaring Dragon, this is a much larger and heavier machine. The prototype had a twin hull with one turbojet engine in the middle and two keels.
This scheme was chosen to increase the load capacity. In the Chinese media they write that on the external surfaces of the “Divine Eagle” there are 7 antennas AFAR. Transmission of radar information should occur in real time through radio relay and satellite communication channels.
Satellite image GoGle Air: a prototype of the Divine Eagle UAV at the Shenyang factory airfield. The actual size of the drone can be judged by the fighter J-7 and J-8 standing nearby
Based on the available pictures, the length of the UAV can be from 14 to 17 m, and the wingspan is 40-45 m. The maximum airspeed is about 800 km / h, the ceiling is 25 km. Take-off weight - 15-18 t. Currently, it is the largest Chinese UAV, its size can be judged by satellite imagery.
It is not known what combat missions heavy Chinese UAVs are capable of performing at the moment. But apparently, the drones mentioned in this publication are already being mass-produced and in operation. The PLA Air Force unmanned squadron deployed at Anshun air base in Guizhou province. Here is the control center of the UAV with satellite communications transponders.
At the moment, China is very well advanced in the field of creating heavy unmanned aerial vehicles, and in this respect it occupies one of the leading positions in the world. Apparently, long-range radar patrol UAVs in the People's Republic of China plan to use it during long patrol flights over the ocean and where there is a big risk of losing a piloted DRLO aircraft. At the same time, in the event of a collision with a technologically advanced adversary, the uninterrupted transmission of broadband digital streams through highly sensitive high-frequency channels will be problematic, and the drone itself can be easily shot down by enemy fighters.
To be continued ...
Based on:
https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/china/kj-600.htm
http://www.armystar.com/wqzb/2015-10-10_29865_2.html
http://chinese-military-aviation.blogspot.ru/p/surveillance-aircraft-ii.html
http://bmpd.livejournal.com/371869.html
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/china/y-8-aew.htm
http://www.livestream.ru/news/2011/07/04/xianlong/
https://chinadailymail.com/2013/06/06/chinas-aewc-kj-3000-air-to-surface-combat-aircraft/
https://thaimilitaryandasianregion.wordpress.com/2016/01/31/kj2000-awacs-aircraft-chinese-plaaf/
https://thaimilitaryandasianregion.wordpress.com/2016/02/01/
https://defence.pk/pdf/threads/future-chinese-carrier-borne-aew-kj-600.506399/
https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/china/kj-500.htm
http://english.chinamil.com.cn/news-channels/pla-daily-commentary/2016-02/16/content_6913601.htm
http://forums.airbase.ru/2016/08/t87431--kitajskie-bpla.9772.html
https://thaimilitaryandasianregion.blogspot.com/2018/01/one-more-divine-eagle-appeared-at.html
After the normalization of relations between our countries, China became the largest purchaser of Russian combat aircraft and long-range anti-aircraft systems. But in order to effectively control the actions of fighters and anti-aircraft missile systems, not only modern ground-based radars were required, coupled with automated command and control and information exchange points, but also flying radars combining the functions of air command centers - long-range radar detection and control aircraft.
In the Soviet Union DRLO airplanes based on the Tu-114 airliner appeared as far back as the 60s. But in China, an attempt to create a “flying radar” based on a Tu-4 long-range bomber ended in failure, and there were no PLA aircraft in this class before the beginning of the 21 century. At the end of the 80-x in the USSR, an export modification of the AWACS-A-50E aircraft was created specifically for foreign customers, with a simplified radio-technical complex and without ZAS equipment. However, Chinese specialists, having familiarized themselves with the radio engineering complex of this machine, built on not the newest element base, considered that it would be more rational to use the Il-76TD basic platform, combining it with more modern Israeli-made equipment. After quite a long consultation, in 1997, a tripartite contract was signed for the creation of an aviation early warning complex, which received the preliminary designation A-50I. The contractors were the Israeli firm Elta and the Russian TANTK them. Gm Beriev. The Russian side pledged to prepare a Serial A-50 for re-equipment, while the Israelis were to install EL / M-205 PHALCON radar, a data processing complex and communications equipment on it.
Unlike the Soviet Aircraft AH-50, the Israeli EL / M-205 radar antenna was to be placed in a fixed disk-shaped fairing with a diameter of 11,5 m (more than the A-50), with three AFAR forming an equilateral triangle. According to the manufacturer’s specifications, the Israeli radar of the decimeter range (1,2-1,4 GHz), in combination with high-performance computing facilities and special noise reduction devices, should have made it possible to detect “difficult” low-altitude air targets: cruise missiles and airplanes developed using small radar technology visibility. In addition, the Chinese DRLO aircraft were supposed to be equipped with modern electronic reconnaissance equipment, which made it possible to monitor land and shipborne radars and listen to radio communications. The cost of one IL-76TD aircraft with an Israeli RTC was $ 250 million. In total, the PLA Air Force intended to order four DRLO and U aircraft.
The practical implementation of the joint contract began in 1999, when A-50 from the Russian Air Force with the board number "44", after dismantling the Soviet radio-technical complex and overhaul, flew to Israel. According to the schedule, the first DRLO aircraft with an Israeli radar, an electronic reconnaissance station and communications equipment had to be transferred to the Chinese side at the end of 2000. But already during the implementation of the program, the Americans intervened, and already with the high technical readiness of the complex in the summer of 2000, the Israeli side announced a unilateral withdrawal from the project. That, in addition to sensitive financial losses, had a negative effect on Israel’s reputation as a reliable supplier of weapons, and the aircraft already ready for refit was returned to China.
After the refusal of Israel to jointly create on the basis of Il-76TD DRLO planes, the Chinese specialists continued the project independently. Apparently, some materials on the Israeli radar got into the PRC, as the Chinese radar complex of the aircraft, called KJ-2000 (“Kun Jing” - “Sky of Eyes”), largely repeated the version proposed by Israeli designers. As planned, the aircraft received a radar with AFAR in a non-rotating disc-shaped fairing.
The radome of the radar antenna of the Chinese DRLO KJ-2000 aircraft
Inside the fairing there are three antenna modules. Each module allows you to view the space in the sector 120 °. Thanks to electronic beam scanning, the radar is able to perform all-round visibility. Radar radiating elements are cooled by an oncoming flow of air through special channels.
According to the information sounded by the Chinese media, the radar created in Nanjing Research Institute No. 14 is capable of detecting targets at a distance of more than 400 km and simultaneously accompanying air and surface objects to 100. It is reported that the DRLO aircraft can also be used to record ballistic missile launches and calculate their flight paths. Thus, during the tests, it was possible to timely detect a ballistic missile launched at a distance of 1200 km.
KJ-2000
As in the Russian A-50, the Chinese KJ-2000 has a satellite communications antenna in the upper, front part of the fuselage behind the cockpit. There is no reliable information about the interaction capabilities of the communications equipment of the Chinese DRLO aircraft based on Il-76MD with ground-based air defense systems and interceptors, but Chinese sources state that one KJ-2000 is able to control the actions of several dozen combat aircraft. Operators' workplaces are equipped with color liquid-crystal displays, and the construction of trails for air targets occurs in automatic mode and using high-performance computing tools. The patrol working height is 5000 - 10000 m. Maximum range 5000 km. At a distance of 2000 km from its airfield, the aircraft can remain on patrol for 1 hours 25 minutes. The maximum flight duration is no more than 8 hours. In contrast to the Soviet A-50, the KJ-2000 initially did not provide for an in-flight refueling system, which, with a sufficiently high specific fuel consumption, significantly limits the patrol time.
In total, for the PLA Air Force, 4 heavy DRLO and U aircraft were built on the IL-76TD platform. In the past, they often participated in large-scale exercises, and were permanently based in the eastern province of Zhejiang near the Taiwan Strait. At the moment, the available KJ-2000 has already been withdrawn from the PLA Air Force combat deployment.
Satellite image of Google Air: DRLO KJ-2000 aircraft in the memorial complex of the factory airfield Xian
Judging from satellite images of the factory airfield Xi'an, in the province of Shenxi, specializing among other things in testing, fine-tuning and repairing airplanes of AEW, one KJ-2000 is installed at the "perpetual station" along with other aircraft models, which were built at different times at the enterprises of Xi'an aviation industrial corporation. Radar equipment was dismantled from the remaining three DRLO airplanes, built on the basis of IL-76TD, and these vehicles can be used as transport and flying laboratories.
Back in 2013, the media leaked information that work on a new heavy DRLO aircraft based on a new heavy military transport aircraft Y-20 was under way in the PRC. This car is often compared to the American Boeing C-17 Globemaster III. Perspective aircraft AWACS and U on the platform Y-20 received the designation KJ-3000.
How far this program has progressed is unknown. To hide such a large aircraft with radome fairing from space reconnaissance means is unrealistic, and apparently its testing has not yet begun. At the same time, more than a dozen Y-20 transports have already accumulated at the factory airfield of Xi'an, and some of them may well be used to create new DRLO aircraft.
Satellite image of Google Earth: aviation Xi'an factory airfield parking
Simultaneously with the development of the “heavy” KJ-2000 radar patrol aircraft on the Il-76TD platform in the PRC, work was carried out on the “medium” DRLO aircraft based on the four-engine turboprop medium military transport aircraft (an upgraded Chinese version of the An-12). Unlike the USSR, where the An-12 serial construction was completed in 70-s, in China, the release of modernized versions of this very successful machine continues to this day. Chinese engineers have developed modern versions with an extended cargo compartment and economical engines that fully meet modern requirements, and in terms of fuel efficiency, they significantly surpass transport aircraft with turbojet engines.
Prototype aircraft DRLO KJ-200
The prototype of the AWED turboprop aircraft, designated KJ-200, first flew on November 8 2001. The radar antenna with AFAR has a "log-like" shape, resembling the enlarged antenna of the Swedish radar of the Ericsson PS-890 radar. In front of the radome radar is an air intake for cooling the radiating elements of the incident air flow.
The first built aircraft AWACS on the basis of the Y-8-200 was actually a "flying laboratory" designed to test the radar complex, and was not equipped with all the necessary set of communication and information display facilities. Serial KJ-200s were to be built on the basis of the more advanced military transport modification Y-8F-600. This model was equipped with more powerful and economical Pratt & Whitney Canada PW150B engines with 6-blade propellers, a "glass" cockpit and additional fuel tanks.
In 2005, tests of the second pre-production specimen began. The process of fine-tuning the radar and communications equipment of the aircraft went at a very high rate until 3 June 2006, the prototype crashed, crashing into a mountain near the village of Yao in Anhui province. In the crash killed high-ranking PLA Air Force officers and prominent designers. This disaster, which took the lives of 40 people, became the largest in the number of victims in the newest stories The PLA Air Force seriously braked the tests of the KJ-200 aircraft. According to the official version, published after the decoding of “black boxes”, the imperfection of the anti-icing system was the cause of the loss of controllability of the aircraft. On the following production aircraft KJ-200, in addition to the changes made to the anti-icing equipment, the tail area was increased.
DRLO KJ-200 production aircraft
The official adoption of the KJ-200 took place in 2009 year, after the construction of four DRLO aircraft. A KJ-200 aircraft with a maximum take-off weight of about 65 t when refueling 25 t of aviation fuel can be in the air for 10 hours and cover the distance 5000 km. The maximum airspeed is 620 km / h, the patrol speed is 500 km / h, the ceiling is 10200 m. The crew consists of 4 people of the crew, another 6 people are engaged in servicing the radio complex.
Compared to DRLO airplanes based on Saab 340 and Saab 2000, which also feature a log-like antenna radar, the Y-8F-600 glider provides large areas for installing radio-electronic equipment, operator consoles and personnel recreation areas. According to information published in Chinese sources, the radar installed on KJ-200 is capable of detecting air targets at a distance of more than 300 km. Data on the air situation, after processing over the air, is transmitted to consumers in the person of the air defense command post and fighter aviation control points. It is believed that one KJ-200 is capable of simultaneously directing targets up to 15 interceptors.
Satellite image of Google Environment: DRLO KJ-200 and KJ-2000 airplanes parked at the air base near Beijing, the picture was taken in 2009
At the major exercises of the air defense forces, which took place in August 2009 in the north-east of China, the KJ-200 and KJ-2000 aircraft were tested for their ability to control the actions of combat aircraft and anti-aircraft missile systems. The exercises revealed both the strengths and weaknesses of the “airborne radar posts” at that time in the PLA Air Force. Quite predictably, the KJ-2000 with a more powerful radar and able to patrol at a higher altitude detected high-altitude aerial targets at a range of about 30% more than the radio-technical complex of the turboprop KJ-200. At the same time, the "tactical" aircraft AWACS KJ-200 was better suited for conducting routine patrol flights. Its more efficient engines allowed it to hang longer in the air, and it turned out to be much cheaper to operate and took less time to prepare for re-departure. One of the main drawbacks of KJ-200, according to experts, is the limited number of communication channels that exchange information with ground command posts and interceptors that are in the air. In addition, the design features of the "log-like" antenna with AFAR is the presence of "dead" zones. Since the radar viewing angle on each side is 150 °, there are not viewed areas in the nose and tail parts of the aircraft. This forces you to constantly fly "oval" or "eight". But with a sharp change in the course by an AEW aircraft, or active maneuvering of the target in the horizontal plane, there is a possibility that the tracking will be disrupted. Taking into account the antenna radiation patterns, it is optimal to use two KJ-200 airplanes at the same time, which duplicate each other when making turns.
Despite these shortcomings, the PLA Air Force Command ordered an additional batch of DRLO KJ-200 aircraft, currently 10 vehicles of this type are in service. According to the US military, KJ-200 is actively involved in patrol flights in the northeast of China and over the disputed islands. In February, the X-NUMX pilots of the American base patrol aircraft P-2017 Orion announced a dangerous approach to the KJ-3 over the South China Sea.
Over the years that have passed since the introduction of the KJ-200 DRLO aircraft, the Chinese military have managed to appreciate all the advantages and features of this car. The accumulated operating experience allowed us to form an understanding of what should be the modern aircraft of the radar patrol and control "tactical level", and proceed to the creation of more advanced machines of this class. According to the views of the PLA Air Force Command, the DRLO aircraft created on the platform of an average turboprop military transport aircraft, with moderate operating costs, should be able to operate for a long time at a considerable distance from its base. In this case, it is imperative to equip it with a circular radar, a system for refueling in the air and a wide range of electronic reconnaissance and jamming.
All these requirements were taken into account when creating the DRLO KJ-500 aircraft presented to the general public in 2014. Like the KJ-200, the “tactical” KJ-500 is built on the basis of the military transport Y-8F-600. The main external differences are the circular radar plate, the presence of an aerodynamic ridge in the tail section to compensate for the loss of ground stability and flat antennas of a radio intelligence station.
DRLO KJ-500 aircraft
In fact, when creating the KJ-500, the most successful solutions were used, which were previously tested on the KJ-2000 and KJ-200 aircraft, and also took into account the shortcomings of these machines. From the KJ-2000 borrowed the principle of the location of the radar antenna, and the operation of the KJ-200 allowed to work out the most optimal layout of the "average" DRLO aircraft and tactics of use.
The creation and launching into mass production of a radio-technical complex, the basis of which is a three-dimensional radar with an AFAR, providing electronic scanning in height and azimuth, is considered a great success in the PRC. At the same time, the viewing sector of each of the three flat antenna arrays, joined in the form of an isosceles triangle, is at least 140 °. Thus, they mutually overlap adjacent sectors and provide a circular view.
It must be said that the Chinese experts considered a variant with a classic rotating radar antenna located in a plate-shaped radome. The DRLO aircraft of such a layout was successfully tested and serially built for Pakistan under the designation ZDK-03 Karakorum.
DRLO ZDK-03 Karakorum aircraft
Currently, KJ-500 is being mass produced at a plant in Chendu, Shanxi Province. Judging by satellite imagery, the pace of construction of KJ-500 aircraft is very high. At the moment, more than 10 machines have been delivered to the customer.
Satellite image Google Air: parking the factory airfield in Chendu
The real characteristics of the KJ-500 are unknown, but it can be assumed that its flight data is at the level of KJ-200. According to information provided by Global Security, the detection range of the radar with AFAR can reach 500 km, and the number of simultaneously accompanied targets compared to KJ-200 increased three times. The miniaturization of the radio element base and the success of Chinese developers in the field of creating compact high-performance computing systems made it possible to equip the KJ-500 with highly sophisticated on-board equipment. A number of western experts write that in terms of range, noise immunity and number of communication channels, the KJ-500 may be close to, or even surpass, the latest E-2 Hawkeye American carrier-based aircraft. But at the same time, the Chinese aircraft is much larger and heavier than the “Improved Hockey,” which allows it to carry additional radio intelligence stations and be on duty longer.
Although the PRC is developing a heavy “strategic” KJ-3000 aircraft, the Chinese military have relied on the “tactical” KJ-500, created on a relatively inexpensive Y-8F-600 platform with economical turboprop engines. Such an approach makes it possible to quickly feed troops with DRLO airplanes, push aside the lines of detection of air targets and increase the effectiveness of control of air defense forces. Already, in terms of the number of operational radar detection and control aircraft, China surpasses our country. According to open sources, in 2018, the structure of the VKS RF had 5 upgraded А-50У and 14 А-50, built during the Soviet era. It should be understood that most of the old А-50 is close to developing a resource, now it is a “real estate” and will not be modernized. In addition, critics of the A-50U program note that when creating an updated radio-technical complex, the share of foreign-made components was unacceptably high. That in the conditions of the introduction of the sanctions regime against our country can greatly slow down the process of modernization.
At the moment, in the PLA Air Force, the strength of the KJ-200 and KJ-500 is approaching two dozen, and the combat readiness of these aircraft is very high. Given the pace of construction of aircraft KJ-500, it can be assumed that in 5 years their number will double. At the same time, the number of “heavy” KJ-3000 on the Y-20 heavy transporter platform is unlikely to exceed 5 units. It is obvious that the Chinese military leadership, having sufficient financial resources, still showed pragmatism and did not rely on unique in its characteristics, but extremely expensive heavy DRLO and U aircraft (the Soviet A-50 cost about 2 times more expensive than a strategic bomber Tu-160), and for cheaper and more massive "medium" airborne systems of the radar patrol and control.
After Israel’s refusal to cooperate in the creation of a joint radio-technical complex for the A-50I aircraft, the PRC leadership set before the developers the task of localizing the production of all components of electronic equipment for DRLO aircraft in the PRC. In 2014, it was stated that this task was completed. On new Chinese DRLO planes computers and software developed and manufactured in China are used in computing systems. For unification and simplification of interaction on different types of aircraft, common communication and information systems are used. This approach allows you to get rid of foreign dependence, reduce the cost of production, facilitate maintenance and improve information security.
At the beginning of 2017, not very high-quality photos of the Chinese carrier-based aircraft DRLO KJ-600 appeared on the network, on the basis of which its appearance was reconstructed.
The estimated appearance of the deck aircraft AWAC KJ-600
Earlier in China, a flying laboratory JZY-01 was observed on the basis of the Y-7 transport (a copy of the An-26). This "flying stand" was intended for the development of the radio engineering complex and constructive solutions, which were planned to be used in the future to create the DRLO carrier-based aircraft. A total of two prototypes were built. If the first prototype except the radar antenna had no visible differences from the Y-7 aircraft, then on the second experimental machine, the tail plumage in its configuration resembles the American “Hokai”. At the moment, this aircraft is parked at the factory airfield Xian.
Satellite image GoGle Air: experimental aircraft ARLO JZY-01 at the factory airfield Xi'an
It is not known how far Chinese designers have advanced in creating the deck aircraft of the radar patrol, but on the "deck" of a concrete copy of an aircraft carrier in the vicinity of the city of Wuhan, a model of such a machine has already appeared.
Satellite image GoGle Air: a concrete copy of an aircraft carrier in the vicinity of the city of Wuhan
According to the data sounded in the People's Republic of China, the maximum take-off weight of the KJ-600 aircraft will not exceed 25 t. Its maximum speed can reach 700 km / h, and the speed during patrolling is 350-400 km / h. The practical flight range of the KJ-600 is about 2500 km, which will make it possible to conduct combat duty at a distance of 500 km from the take-off point for approximately 2-2,5 hours. It is not known when the KJ-600 DRLO aircraft actually enters the combat squadron, but in the West it is believed that this machine will be able to be based not only on Chinese aircraft carriers, but can also be adopted by the PLA Air Force. The aircraft of the radar patrol with a shortened take-off and landing is capable of operating from field airfields in the interests of tactical aviation and front-line air defense.
At the moment, the duties of the "airborne radar picket" on the Chinese aircraft carrier "Liaoning" are assigned to the AEW helicopters Z-18J. The Z-18 helicopter is an option for further development of the Z-8, which in turn is a licensed copy of the SA 321 Super Frelon heavy transport helicopter. The antenna of the radar is located in the zone of the folding tail frame and is lowered to the working position when the vehicle is in the air. The detection range of air targets is 250-270 km.
The radar patrol helicopter Z-18J
Another area being developed in the PRC is the creation of heavy drones AWACS. In 2012, a Xianglong (Soaring Dragon) UAV took off in Chengdu. Although in China this drone is compared with the American RQ-4 Global Hawk, the Soaring Dragon is inferior to the American heavy UAV in terms of range and flight duration.
Xianglong UAV Prototype
The Xianglong UAV is equipped with a wing of the original shape that combines the closed wing of a regular and reverse sweep. The wing consists of two planes located one above the other and interconnected by curved rings. This form of the wing has a large lifting force and can significantly reduce fuel consumption and increase the duration of the flight. With a take-off weight of about 7500 kg, the Chinese unit is able to rise to a height of 18300 meters and cover a distance of more than 7000 km. Maximum speed 750 km / h. It is reported that the main element of the payload will be radar with active phased arrays of the conformal type. In addition, an unmanned aerial vehicle can be used to relay information from land, ship and airborne radars.
In 2015, information appeared on the network that Divine Eagle ("Divine Eagle") tests began in Shenyang. Compared to the Soaring Dragon, this is a much larger and heavier machine. The prototype had a twin hull with one turbojet engine in the middle and two keels.
Prototype UAV Divine Eagle
This scheme was chosen to increase the load capacity. In the Chinese media they write that on the external surfaces of the “Divine Eagle” there are 7 antennas AFAR. Transmission of radar information should occur in real time through radio relay and satellite communication channels.
Satellite image GoGle Air: a prototype of the Divine Eagle UAV at the Shenyang factory airfield. The actual size of the drone can be judged by the fighter J-7 and J-8 standing nearby
Based on the available pictures, the length of the UAV can be from 14 to 17 m, and the wingspan is 40-45 m. The maximum airspeed is about 800 km / h, the ceiling is 25 km. Take-off weight - 15-18 t. Currently, it is the largest Chinese UAV, its size can be judged by satellite imagery.
Satellite image of Google Air: heavy UAVs at Anshun airbase
It is not known what combat missions heavy Chinese UAVs are capable of performing at the moment. But apparently, the drones mentioned in this publication are already being mass-produced and in operation. The PLA Air Force unmanned squadron deployed at Anshun air base in Guizhou province. Here is the control center of the UAV with satellite communications transponders.
At the moment, China is very well advanced in the field of creating heavy unmanned aerial vehicles, and in this respect it occupies one of the leading positions in the world. Apparently, long-range radar patrol UAVs in the People's Republic of China plan to use it during long patrol flights over the ocean and where there is a big risk of losing a piloted DRLO aircraft. At the same time, in the event of a collision with a technologically advanced adversary, the uninterrupted transmission of broadband digital streams through highly sensitive high-frequency channels will be problematic, and the drone itself can be easily shot down by enemy fighters.
To be continued ...
Based on:
https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/china/kj-600.htm
http://www.armystar.com/wqzb/2015-10-10_29865_2.html
http://chinese-military-aviation.blogspot.ru/p/surveillance-aircraft-ii.html
http://bmpd.livejournal.com/371869.html
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/china/y-8-aew.htm
http://www.livestream.ru/news/2011/07/04/xianlong/
https://chinadailymail.com/2013/06/06/chinas-aewc-kj-3000-air-to-surface-combat-aircraft/
https://thaimilitaryandasianregion.wordpress.com/2016/01/31/kj2000-awacs-aircraft-chinese-plaaf/
https://thaimilitaryandasianregion.wordpress.com/2016/02/01/
https://defence.pk/pdf/threads/future-chinese-carrier-borne-aew-kj-600.506399/
https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/china/kj-500.htm
http://english.chinamil.com.cn/news-channels/pla-daily-commentary/2016-02/16/content_6913601.htm
http://forums.airbase.ru/2016/08/t87431--kitajskie-bpla.9772.html
https://thaimilitaryandasianregion.blogspot.com/2018/01/one-more-divine-eagle-appeared-at.html
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