Keysersoze
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JANE'S DEFENCE WEEKLY - APRIL 21, 2004
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New 'Mainstay' AEW&C aircraft flying in China
Robert Hewson Editor Jane's Air-Launched Weapons
London
Additional reporting Martin Streetly Editor Jane's Electronic Mission Aircraft
London
Clear evidence has emerged that a significant Chinese airborne early-warning and control (AEW&C) development programme is now under way. AEW&C platforms, based on the Ilyushin Il-76, are now flying with the China Flight Test Establishment (CFTE).
Several photographs of these previously unknown aircraft have been released via Chinese sources in the same 'semi-official' way that the first images of the Chengdu J-10 fighter aircraft and other secretive Chinese defence projects have been leaked to outside observers. The images show aircraft carrying the badge of the CFTE, operating from Nanjing. No official information is available as to the status of the programme (or programmes) and observers are surprised at the level of advanced development that appears to have been reached.
Russia has already developed and deployed an Il-76-based AEW&C platform as the Ilyushin/Beriev A-50 and A-50M 'Mainstay'. At the end of the 1990s, China attempted to acquire a similar capability from Israel Aircraft Industries, as the A-50I, using Russian-supplied airframes mated with the Elta Phalcon phased-array radar system in a fixed (non-rotating) radome. A development aircraft was flown in Israel but the deal was halted in 2000 under intense US political pressure. Israel has been adamant that no AEW&C technology was transferred, although the bare A-50I airframe was handed over in 2002 to the Chinese authorities.
It should be noted that at least one of the aircraft seen flying in China has several key design features of the A-50I that are not found on Russia's 'Mainstays'. These include two ventral fins under the rear fuselage and the absence of the A-50's prominent fin-root intake.
Two different Chinese AEW&C configurations have been observed. It is not clear if both are flying simultaneously. There may have been a staged testing effort to prove the final radome configuration or there may be two parallel programmes, involving at least a pair of aircraft.
One set of photographs shows an aircraft with its circular dorsal radome supported by a large tri-cornered mast. This arrangement may indicate the presence of a fixed phased-array radar, using three antennas in a triangular arrangement to provide 360º coverage. An equivalent antenna layout was part of the original A-50I design. The second AEW&C configuration sees the radome sitting on two angled masts, similar to those of the existing A-50 design but with two horizontal bracing struts between the vertical supports. The radome on this aircraft appears to be deeper than that of a Russian A-50 - another pointer to the possible use of phased-array antennas in place of a rotating pulse-Doppler radar. Radar development for this programme may be the responsibility of the Nanjing Electronic Technology Research Institute (also known as the No 14 Institute), although there is a strong possibility of outside assistance, perhaps from Russia.
The origin of China's AEW&C aircraft remains unclear, as does their number. JDW reported that China was seeking to acquire Il-76s from Uzbekistan in 1997, although Russia is unlikely to have permitted this. By 2003 China was understood to be negotiating directly with Russia for the supply of a new A-50 variant, the A-50Eh (Ehksport, export). This programme, known as Project No 5, is thought to cover the lease of two test and evaluation A-50 aircraft to be followed by the acquisition of three to six A-50Ehs. The programme is reportedly due for completion by 2005 with each aircraft costing $180 million-$200 million. According to JDW sources, the A-50Eh radar is able to detect a cruise missile-sized target in ground/sea clutter at ranges of up to 463km.
Taiwanese sources allege that a secret A-50Eh deal was concluded with Russia last year. Taiwanese press reports also state that the A-50s have been exercising with People's Liberation Army Air Force Su-27 (J-11) and Su-30MKK aircraft. The sudden appearance of Chinese A-50s in the Nanjing Military Region, so near the Taiwan Strait, has caused consternation in Taiwan and represents a major shift in China's ability to conduct integrated offensive air operations
JANE'S DEFENCE WEEKLY - APRIL 21, 2004
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New 'Mainstay' AEW&C aircraft flying in China
Robert Hewson Editor Jane's Air-Launched Weapons
London
Additional reporting Martin Streetly Editor Jane's Electronic Mission Aircraft
London
Clear evidence has emerged that a significant Chinese airborne early-warning and control (AEW&C) development programme is now under way. AEW&C platforms, based on the Ilyushin Il-76, are now flying with the China Flight Test Establishment (CFTE).
Several photographs of these previously unknown aircraft have been released via Chinese sources in the same 'semi-official' way that the first images of the Chengdu J-10 fighter aircraft and other secretive Chinese defence projects have been leaked to outside observers. The images show aircraft carrying the badge of the CFTE, operating from Nanjing. No official information is available as to the status of the programme (or programmes) and observers are surprised at the level of advanced development that appears to have been reached.
Russia has already developed and deployed an Il-76-based AEW&C platform as the Ilyushin/Beriev A-50 and A-50M 'Mainstay'. At the end of the 1990s, China attempted to acquire a similar capability from Israel Aircraft Industries, as the A-50I, using Russian-supplied airframes mated with the Elta Phalcon phased-array radar system in a fixed (non-rotating) radome. A development aircraft was flown in Israel but the deal was halted in 2000 under intense US political pressure. Israel has been adamant that no AEW&C technology was transferred, although the bare A-50I airframe was handed over in 2002 to the Chinese authorities.
It should be noted that at least one of the aircraft seen flying in China has several key design features of the A-50I that are not found on Russia's 'Mainstays'. These include two ventral fins under the rear fuselage and the absence of the A-50's prominent fin-root intake.
Two different Chinese AEW&C configurations have been observed. It is not clear if both are flying simultaneously. There may have been a staged testing effort to prove the final radome configuration or there may be two parallel programmes, involving at least a pair of aircraft.
One set of photographs shows an aircraft with its circular dorsal radome supported by a large tri-cornered mast. This arrangement may indicate the presence of a fixed phased-array radar, using three antennas in a triangular arrangement to provide 360º coverage. An equivalent antenna layout was part of the original A-50I design. The second AEW&C configuration sees the radome sitting on two angled masts, similar to those of the existing A-50 design but with two horizontal bracing struts between the vertical supports. The radome on this aircraft appears to be deeper than that of a Russian A-50 - another pointer to the possible use of phased-array antennas in place of a rotating pulse-Doppler radar. Radar development for this programme may be the responsibility of the Nanjing Electronic Technology Research Institute (also known as the No 14 Institute), although there is a strong possibility of outside assistance, perhaps from Russia.
The origin of China's AEW&C aircraft remains unclear, as does their number. JDW reported that China was seeking to acquire Il-76s from Uzbekistan in 1997, although Russia is unlikely to have permitted this. By 2003 China was understood to be negotiating directly with Russia for the supply of a new A-50 variant, the A-50Eh (Ehksport, export). This programme, known as Project No 5, is thought to cover the lease of two test and evaluation A-50 aircraft to be followed by the acquisition of three to six A-50Ehs. The programme is reportedly due for completion by 2005 with each aircraft costing $180 million-$200 million. According to JDW sources, the A-50Eh radar is able to detect a cruise missile-sized target in ground/sea clutter at ranges of up to 463km.
Taiwanese sources allege that a secret A-50Eh deal was concluded with Russia last year. Taiwanese press reports also state that the A-50s have been exercising with People's Liberation Army Air Force Su-27 (J-11) and Su-30MKK aircraft. The sudden appearance of Chinese A-50s in the Nanjing Military Region, so near the Taiwan Strait, has caused consternation in Taiwan and represents a major shift in China's ability to conduct integrated offensive air operations
. You say that the radom rotates but the artical from Sinodefence clearly states that is dose not rotate.
