After conducting the maiden flights of two state-of-the-art sixth-generation fighter jets, China has brought another surprise by taking to the skies for the first time the new KJ-3000 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft.
The plane’s maiden flight was reportedly carried out by Xi’an Aircraft Company. Details are sparse and the exact date of the flight is unknown, but it is believed to have been conducted very recently.
On December 27, several pixelated photos of the KJ-3000 in flight were published on social media and widely shared, with military watchers calling it “another surprise” by China.
China has not officially confirmed the first flight of the KJ-3000 aircraft, which will significantly enhance early warning capabilities. But the development has excited PLA commentators and military experts, with one X user quipping, “It’s been quite a week for China watchers.”
The previous day, on December 26, social media platform X was flooded with images and videos of Chengdu Aerospace Corporation’s (CAC) sixth-generation fighter jet in flight. The fighter jet was seen flying alongside China’s fifth-generation J-20S (twin-seater). Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon stealth fighter variant).
Even though netizens and analysts were still discussing the amazing maiden flight of CAC’s 6th generation aircraft, the internet quickly posted images of another 6th generation fighter developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC). It was overflowing. EuroAsian Times’ detailed coverage of the maiden flights of both next-generation fighter prototypes can be read here.
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Since the first flight of the KJ-3000 was right after the sixth generation fighter, some analysts humorously said that China should conduct the first flight of the next generation stealth bomber by the end of this year to complete the pack. suggested.
What do we know about the KJ-3000?
The KJ-3000 is based on the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) Y-20 transport aircraft and is the latest addition to China’s arsenal of “eyes in the sky” early warning aircraft.
Andreas Rupprecht, an expert on Chinese military aviation, said: “Ok, that goes on and on. The second surprise this morning was that the new KJ-3000(?) AEW made its maiden flight on the XAC. From what we see on the first few aircraft, it’s small and… It’s a blurry image, but as expected, it’s a Y-20B-based design featuring a large rotodome and tail bulge.
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A rotodome is a disk-shaped rotating radome that provides 360-degree coverage for target detection and tracking. Some experts speculate that the tail bulge may be related to the integration of some advanced communication system.
The aircraft, like the Y-20B transport aircraft on which it is based, is powered by the domestically produced WS-20 high-bypass turbofan engine. It is expected to generate approximately 31,000 pounds of thrust. According to some unconfirmed claims, the detection range of the aircraft is from 360 kilometers to over 500 kilometers.
In particular, the KJ-3000’s first flight took place amid speculation that the Y-20B transport aircraft had entered service. as The Euro-Asian Times recently reported thatThe Y-20B was discovered at Kaifeng Air Base in east-central Henan Province, China.
Details of the KJ-3000 aircraft are unknown due to lack of information, but EuroAsian Times reports that China is developing an all-new next-generation AEW&C aircraft from scratch, known as the KJ-700. , I understand that similar efforts are being made. Regarding the development of AEW&C aircraft based on existing platforms.
For example, Macau-based military aviation expert Antony Wong Tong said, “China is developing a new generation of KJ-3000 strategic early warning aircraft and needs a larger platform; “We have hinted that it will exist in 2022.” Since we don’t have large aircraft like the US, the Y-20 would be our only option. ”
The KJ-3000 is expected to rival the existing KJ-2000, which is the largest dedicated AEW&C aircraft in the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) inventory. Some reports suggest that the KJ-3000 will eventually replace the KJ-2000.
The KJ-3000 can carry more payload up to 66 tons, which is 16 tons more than the KJ-2000. In addition, the WS-20 engine provides increased thrust and fuel efficiency, allowing for longer flight times.
The aircraft integrates C4ISR (command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) technology and can improve coordination between land, sea and air domains, allowing it to operate as a complete command center. You can. This will strengthen the People’s Air Force’s mission performance and improve its combat efficiency on the battlefield. The KJ-3000 is expected to strengthen China’s air defense by flying alongside cutting-edge fighter jets in combat.
China, which already has an AEW&C fleet that dwarfs that of the United States, is continuing its joint efforts to develop new early warning aircraft based on existing designs.
The primary purpose of AEW&C aircraft is to monitor large areas of airspace using powerful radars to scan and detect hostile air targets.
Its “look-down capability” allows it to detect low-flying aircraft and missiles that surface radars and land-based radars miss due to the horizon and terrain. They can classify and inspect such targets using their own radar and fighter interceptors that passively detect radio frequency signals over long distances. This makes AEW&C aircraft essential in combat.
However, while China’s fighter jet designs continue to be in the spotlight, China’s ever-expanding AEW&C force has not received the same attention.
China’s existing early warning aircraft force
China has a reliable early warning capability with the KJ-2000 based on the Il-76 platform and the KJ-500 installed on Shaanxi Y-9 aircraft. The Chinese Air Force also operates the KJ-200, which is based on the Y-8 aircraft.
The KJ-2000 is a large platform, while the KJ-200 and KJ-500 are relatively small. These are considered ideal for regional operations, including volatile areas such as the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea.
China is also developing the KJ-600 for carrier-based operations. This will give the PLA Navy greater reach, enable it to detect incoming threats from further afield, and allow it to project power far from its shores.
Earlier this year, there were reports that the plane was undergoing flight tests. Chinese state media claims that the expected integration of the KJ-600 into People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) operations will strengthen China’s strategic maritime position and allow for improved air command and maritime surveillance capabilities. There is.
As tensions rise in the Indo-Pacific, carrier-based AEW&C aircraft could be key to carrying out operations against adversaries. Experts have pointed out that cooperation between carrier-based fighter jets and early warning aircraft will accelerate China’s improvement in its combat capabilities.
Adding to this mix large ground-based early warning aircraft with advanced radomes that provide wide coverage is expected to significantly strengthen China’s “eyes on the sky.”
