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KJ-2000 AIRBORNE WARNING & CONTROL SYSTEM

EagleEyes

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KJ-2000 AIRBORNE WARNING & CONTROL SYSTEM

The KongJing-2000 (KJ-2000) airborne warning and control system (AWACS) is based on the Russian-made A-50 (NATO codename: Mainstay) airframe outfitted with the Chinese-made electronically steered phased-array (ESA) radar and C3I system. At least three prototypes have been built since 2002. They are undergoing various tests at China Flight Test Establishment (CFTE) in Yanliang, Shaanxi Province and Nanjing, Jiangsu Province where the main contractor for the radar system Nanjing Research Institute of Electronic Technology (also known as 14 Institute) is based. The aircraft is expected to be ready for operational deployment by 2006~07.

PROGRAMME

China started a three-way talk with Israel and Russia, the country’s two traditional suppliers of weapon systems and technologies, in 1994 for a possible purchase of advanced AWACS aircraft. The project involved acquisition of the Russian-made Beriev A-50 Mainstay Airframe, and to fit it with the Phalcon airborne early warning (AEW) radar and associated C3I system developed by Israeli Aircraft Industries Ltd (IAI). In 1996 China, Russia, and Israel reached initial agreement on a US$250 million deal to supply one such AWACS aircraft to the PLA Air Force (PLAAF).

In May 1997, Israel and Russia reached agreement on modifying one A-50 for $250 million, with the option of three more AWACS for a total cost of $1 billion. Russia secured about 20 percent of the deal. After some delay, in October 1999, Russia transferred an A-50 airframe to Israel for the installation of the Phalcon AEW radar system. By May 2000, Israel had nearly completed work on the aircraft under the designation A-50I.

The Phalcon deal became an increasingly controversial issue between the United States and Israel. In 2000, the Clinton Administration voiced stronger objections to the sale and urged Israel to cancel the sale of the Phalcon, saying it is a system comparable to the U.S. AWACS and could collect intelligence and guide aircraft from 250 miles away. Finally, in July 2000 the Israeli government cancelled the deal with China.

China reacted to the U.S. interfering in the A-50I deal by starting a domestic programme to develop its own active phased-array radar. The radar development was carried out by Nanjing Research Institute of Electronic Technology (also known as 14 Institute) based in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province. The Israeli-made Phalcon radar and other onboard electronic systems were retrieved from the unfinished A-50I, and the airframe was handed to China via Russia in 2002. Modifications on the airframe began in late 2002 to install the Chinese-made airborne radar system at Xi’an Aircraft Industry Co. (XAC). The aircraft, which was designated KJ-2000, made its first flight in November 2003.

A total of four planes (B-4040, B-4041, B-4043, and CFTE #762) have been identified so far. They have been spotted in flight and system tests at Yanliang-based CFTE and an airbase near Nanjing. The initial operational capability (IOC) may come in 2006~07.

Learn more about AWACS aircraft
Soviet/russian AWACS Aircraft: TU-126, A-50, An-71 and Ka-31
AWACS & Hawkeyes: The Complete History of Airborne Early Warning Aircraft

Revell AG Germany 1/144 Boeing E-3A Sentry AWACS


AIRCRAFT

The KJ-2000 has five flight crew and possibly 10~15 mission crew. The aircraft carries out patrol missions at an altitude of 5,000~10,000m. The maximum flight range of the aircraft is 5,000km and the flight endurance is 7 hours 40 minutes. At a range of 2,000km, the aircraft can remain on patrol for up to 1 hour 25 minutes.

The A-50 airframe, developed and manufactured by the Beriev Aircraft Research and Engineering Complex Joint Stock Company based at Taganrog in the Rostov Region of Russia, was derived from the Ilyushin IL-76 jet transport aircraft, distinguished by the large, non-rotate radome containing the phased-array radar antenna; the solid nose replacing the original ‘glass-in’ nose, and a large number of electronic system antennas on the front section of the fuselage.

RADAR

The primary radar system housed in the radome is the electronically steered phased-array (ESA) developed by Nanjing-based 14 institute. Unlike the Russian A-50 or U.S. E-3, which rotate their rotodomes to give a 360 degree coverage, the KJ-2000's radar antenna does not rotate. Instead, three ESA antenna modules are placed in a triangular configuration inside the round radome to provide a 360 degree coverage.

The Chinese-made radar system could be similar in design to the IAI Phalcon, but may not be as capable as the latter. The Phalcon system could track up to 60~100 targets at the same time and guide a dozen fighters in all-weather, day and night operations.

SPECIFICATIONS

Flight crew: 5
Mission crew: 10~15
Max take-off weight: 190,000kg
Patrol speed: 600km/h
Patrol height: 5,000~10,000m
Service ceiling: 10,200m
Ferry range: 5,000km
Endurance: 7.7 hours

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whats the detection range for this AWACS?

The radar is designed by the Research Institute of Electronic Technology (also more commonly known as the 14th Institute) at Nanjing, and it utilizes the experience gained from the 14th Institute's earlier indigenously developed Type H/LJG-346 SAPARS (Shipborne Active Phased Array Radar System) that was completed in 1998 (the same Type H/LJG-346 SAPARS was also the predecessor of the active phased array radar system onboard PLAN Lanzhou class destroyer). Chinese claim that the domestic radar is superior to the Israeli radar and it can track more targets at greater range. The radar is arranged in the same way as that of A-50I.
 
Its a real beauty! I'm sceptic if it comes to chinese avionics being superior to Israeli's but there has to be some Israeli technology inthere.

Israel at one point was about to sell three AWACS with ToT to China when US blocked the deal resulting in remboursement of atleast $300 million to China.

I wonder how much technology was sold by then, Chinese atleast got to evaluate the plane learning a lot from Israeli's. :tup:
 
Neo,

I am sure theyhave learnt quite a lot from the Israeli's, but Israeli Phalcon has a different approach to AWACS, they dont use a rotor dome, I find it more similar to the A-50
 
Neo,

I am sure theyhave learnt quite a lot from the Israeli's, but Israeli Phalcon has a different approach to AWACS, they dont use a rotor dome, I find it more similar to the A-50

Yes, but the Phalcons supplied to India will be based upon the IL-76 (like the A-50) and also will be in a dome.
 
Keys, is this system available to Pakistan as well is there any Pakistani plans to go for this type of Chinnese tech.
 
Keys, is this system available to Pakistan as well is there any Pakistani plans to go for this type of Chinnese tech.

Nope the KJ-2000 is not on offer as far as I am aware. Currently the Y-8 variant KJ-200 was the platform on the table. However I am sure the KJ-2000 cannot be ruled out yet. I heard similar stories regarding the J-10 as well.
 
Yes, but the Phalcons supplied to India will be based upon the IL-76 (like the A-50) and also will be in a dome.

Hmm, Israeli way or the usual roto-dome way ...

IL-76, with its characterstics cant be made in the Israeli way, more over like the E-3 sentry. I dont see why IAF couldnt buy the Boeing or Airbus. is it logistics, Infrastructure for the aircarft is already available in the civilian setup. I have heard the Israeli way is superior to the Roto-dome,
 
Hmm, Israeli way or the usual roto-dome way ...

IL-76, with its characterstics cant be made in the Israeli way, more over like the E-3 sentry. I dont see why IAF couldnt buy the Boeing or Airbus. is it logistics, Infrastructure for the aircarft is already available in the civilian setup. I have heard the Israeli way is superior to the Roto-dome,

Well it's a moot point now as you will be getting them in IL-76's. Apparently there was a bit of a kerfuffle regarding making sure that the Russians don't get access to the radar.
 
keys,

Dont know why that should happen, IL-76 isnt the MiG-25, Russian involvement in Aircarft Integration? I do think India and Israel are capable of doing that. Can you confirm on the Indian-Roto Dome?
But I have heard Israeli Method searches faster than the Roto-dome as well as more stronger attenna's
 
India is adding teeth and reach to its air force. If the teeth are the state-of-art Sukhoi-30MKI fighter aircraft, the reach is the Israeli Airborne Early Warning System, Phalcon.

But what is the Phalcon? rediff.com presents a ready reckoner.

What is the Phalcon?

The Phalcon is an Israeli manufactured Airborne Early Warning, Command and Control (AEWC&C) system. It is one of the most powerful such systems in the world. India is buying three of them for $1.1 billion (approximately Rs 5,000 crore or Rs 50 billion).

What does the Phalcon do?

It provides real time surveillance of a few hundred kilometres of territory and also command and control. It can pick up a low flying aircraft, a missile or communication and provide advance warning after correlation. It will help the Indian Air Force to maintain air superiority in a battle. It can pick up an incoming object in all weather conditions, reportedly up to some 300 miles. It can also pick up all sorts of communications from air, sea or land. All the information collected can be conveyed live to the control centre in the headquarters.

How does it pick up information of enemy objects in its area of coverage?

The Phalcon system has four sensors, which coordinate with each other. If one of the sensors picks up an incoming object or enemy communication it automatically co-relates with other sensors and reconfirm. A nose mounted Phalcon. India is buying a top mounted Phalcon

How different is it from other Airborne Early Warning Systems (AEWS)?

Most other AEWS are mechanically rotating antennas, or rotodomes, mounted on an aircraft. In the Phalcon it would be a stationary dome mounted on the aircraft and based on an Active Phased Array Electronic Scanning Technology. It would be able to track continuously any fast, high manoeuvring objects in much shorter period of time than the rotodome-based AWACS.

Does it only track incoming objects and communications?

No. The Phalcon is also a full-fledged command and control centre mid-air that can be deployed to direct the aircraft, providing them a picture of the entire battlefield thus allowing them superiority over enemy fighters.

Do Pakistan and China have it?

Neither have it. China was refused the Phalcon in 2000 even after they had paid an advance because of American objections. After India signed the agreement last week Pakistan has threatened to take 'appropriate steps' to match Indian capabilities.

Why is US permission so important for buying the Israeli manufactured product?

America is Israel's key ally and a collaborator in Israel's development of several cutting edge military technologies. The Israeli Aircraft Industries, which produces the Phalcon, has an agreement with some European and US firms, including Raytheon for further research, development and marketing of the Phalcon. India too was given the Phalcon only after US permission. The US had threatened to withdraw financial assistance to Israel if it went ahead and fitted the system on a Chinese plane, which had landed in Israel in 2000.

Is India then the first country to get the Phalcon?

No. Countries such as Chile already have it. But India would be the first country to mate the Phalcon system on the Russian manufactured IL-76 plane. In fact there is a trilateral agreement between Israel, India and Russia on the project. Israel has given an undertaking to Russia not to reveal the technology of fitting it on an Ilyusin to any other country.

The Phalcon has been mounted on which other aircraft?

It can be mounted on various Boeings, C-130 and even an Airbus. Chile's Phalcon system, called Condor, is mounted on a modified Boeing 767.

http://www.rediff.com/news/2004/mar/10spec2.htm
 
Israel and India seal radar deal
Ilsyushin-76 aircraft
Delivery will be within 44 months of an advance Indian payment
India and Israel have finalised a $1bn deal for the supply of three Phalcon airborne early warning radar systems to India, both sides say.

The Israeli-made system, fitted on Russian Ilyushin aircraft, will be delivered within 44 months of an Indian advance payment.

Israel's cabinet had approved the transaction last Sunday and it was signed in Delhi on Friday.

Rival Pakistan has previously accused India of a weapons shopping spree.

The joint secretary of India's defence ministry, CR Mahapatra, signed the accord with Israel Livnet, the vice president of the Israeli Aircraft Industrial Corporation.

Awacs competitor

Indian defence ministry spokesman Amitabh Chakravarty said Israel would buy Ilyushin-76 cargo aircraft from Uzbekistan.

These would be fitted with new engines in Russia then mounted with the Phalcon system in Israel.

Phalcon is a competitor of the US-made Awacs system.

"The Phalcon deal is the biggest leap forward yet for Israeli military exports," said Amos Yaron, director of the Israeli defence ministry.

Israel and India signed a preliminary agreement last October after the United States lifted objections that the sale might endanger peace on the subcontinent.

Defence analysts say the Phalcon system will give India a greater edge in conventional weaponry over its regional rivals, China and Pakistan.

Phalcon can detect low-flying objects from a distance of hundreds of kilometres, day or night, in all weather condition

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/3536901.stm
 

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