KJ-500 | |
Role | Airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) |
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National origin | China |
Manufacturer | Shaanxi Aircraft Corporation |
Number built | 34+ |
Developed from | Shaanxi Y-9 |
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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 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.[
Ceiling
MAX RANGE
Aircraft Speed
Max Crew
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 production in 2018 in response to the KJ-500 reaching full operational capability
Production of older AEW&C types reportedly ceased production in 2018 in response to the KJ-500 reaching full operational capability