KJ-500- medum size AEW/C

[Saifullah Sani]

The first image showing a KJ-500 with the serial number 30471 confirms its entry into PLAAF service. Source: Via Top81 website

Images from Chinese military issue websites indicate the Kongjing 500 (KJ-500) airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft has started to enter service with the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF).
While images of the KJ-500 in the PLAAF paint scheme first appeared in late 2014, the first image of one with an official serial number (30471), confirming its service entry, did not appear until 18 March.

First seen in early 2013, the KJ-500 is based on the Shaanxi Aircraft Corporation (SAC) Y-9 four-turboprop transport combined with a fixed phased-array radar developed by the Nanjing Research Institute of Electronic Technology (NRIET, or 14th Institute).

Chinese internet sources suggest that while the KJ-500 is smaller in size, electronic advances enable its radar to be as capable as NRIET's fixed array for the KJ-2000 AEW&C system that is fitted to an Ilyushin Il-76 platform. In January 2013 Chinese television reported this radar could track 60 to 100 targets simultaneously out to 470 km.

The KJ-500 radar's three arrays are apparently the same size and contained in a saucer-shaped dome with an apparent satellite communications antenna in the middle. Other imagery indicates SAC considered but rejected a teardrop-shaped dome that would have allowed for larger side-looking arrays. The KJ-500 also features two passive electronic intelligence arrays.

The first clear images of the Shaanxi KJ-500 AEW&C platform appeared in February 2013. (Via Top81 website)​

The KJ-500 apparently will succeed production of the KJ-200 AEW&C system, which uses a linear phased-array radar that is strikingly similar to the Saab Erieye radar but that allows only for a 240° field of view.

China's KJ-500 AEW&C platform 'enters service' - IHS Jane's 360

 

[Superboy]

Looks good. China strong!

 

[QAMARSHAZADQURESHI]

 

[Zarvan]

The first image showing a KJ-500 with the serial number 30471 confirms its entry into PLAAF service. Source: Via Top81 website
Images from Chinese military issue websites indicate the Kongjing 500 (KJ-500) airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft has started to enter service with the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF).

While images of the KJ-500 in the PLAAF paint scheme first appeared in late 2014, the first image of one with an official serial number (30471), confirming its service entry, did not appear until 18 March.

First seen in early 2013, the KJ-500 is based on the Shaanxi Aircraft Corporation (SAC) Y-9 four-turboprop transport combined with a fixed phased-array radar developed by the Nanjing Research Institute of Electronic Technology (NRIET, or 14th Institute).

Chinese internet sources suggest that while the KJ-500 is smaller in size, electronic advances enable its radar to be as capable as NRIET's fixed array for the KJ-2000 AEW&C system that is fitted to an Ilyushin Il-76 platform. In January 2013 Chinese television reported this radar could track 60 to 100 targets simultaneously out to 470 km.

The KJ-500 radar's three arrays are apparently the same size and contained in a saucer-shaped dome with an apparent satellite communications antenna in the middle. Other imagery indicates SAC considered but rejected a teardrop-shaped dome that would have allowed for larger side-looking arrays. The KJ-500 also features two passive electronic intelligence arrays.

The first clear images of the Shaanxi KJ-500 AEW&C platform appeared in February 2013. (Via Top81 website)

The KJ-500 apparently will succeed production of the KJ-200 AEW&C system, which uses a linear phased-array radar that is strikingly similar to the Saab Erieye radar but that allows only for a 240° field of view.
China's KJ-500 AEW&C platform 'enters service' - IHS Jane's 360

 

[Sommer]

Like the plane, looks beautiful.

 

[Kurlang]

China's KJ-500 AEW&C Platform Enters Service With PLAAF

Chinese military issue websites indicate the Kongjing 500 (KJ-500) airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft has started to enter service with the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF).
While images of the KJ-500 in the PLAAF paint scheme first appeared in late 2014, the first image of one with an official serial number (30471), confirming its service entry, did not appear until 18 March.
First seen in early 2013, the KJ-500 is based on the Shaanxi Aircraft Corporation (SAC) Y-9 four-turboprop transport combined with a fixed phased-array radar developed by the Nanjing Research Institute of Electronic Technology (NRIET, or 14th Institute).
Chinese internet sources suggest that while the KJ-500 is smaller in size, electronic advances enable its radar to be as capable as NRIET's fixed array for the KJ-2000 AEW&C system that is fitted to an Ilyushin Il-76 platform. In January 2013 Chinese television reported this radar could track 60 to 100 targets simultaneously out to 470 km.

KJ-500
The KJ-500 radar's three arrays are apparently the same size and contained in a saucer-shaped dome with an apparent satellite communications antenna in the middle. Other imagery indicates SAC considered but rejected a teardrop-shaped dome that would have allowed for larger side-looking arrays. The KJ-500 also features two passive electronic intelligence arrays.

The KJ-500 apparently will succeed production of the KJ-200 AEW&C system, which uses a linear phased-array radar that is strikingly similar to the Saab Erieye radar but that allows only for a 240° field of view.

 

[Major Shaitan Singh]

Chinese Army Gets Brand New Early Warning and Control Aircraft

Capable of tracking nearly 100 vehicles at once, the Chinese military has launched its new airborne early warning and control aircraft (AEW and C), taking to the skies with the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF).

The PLAAF has been offering sneak peeks into the existence of the KJ-500 for months now. Late last year, it released images of the plane’s paintjob, a wavy, sky blue with a white underbelly. But new images from the Chinese military show the aircraft now that it’s entered service.

A slightly smaller version of an earlier four-turboprop plane, the KJ-500 is fixed with a phased-array radar developed by the Nanjing Research Institute of Electronic Technology.

The array consists of three parts, all housed within a saucer-shaped dome atop the aircraft. That dome also features a satellite communications antenna, as well as two passive electronic intelligence arrays.

Built by the Shaanxi Aircraft Corporation, developers had also considered a tear-drop shaped dome, which would have allowed larger radar systems to be installed, but that plan was later scrapped.

AEW and C aircraft can carry out surveillance operations over both ground and sea-based targets. Air-based radar allows for better detection, and has enhanced abilities of distinguishing between friendly and hostile aircraft. The plane’s high altitude also makes it harder for enemies to spot.

China isn’t the only one with new surveillance aircraft in the region. Last month, the US Navy admitted that it was launching P-8A Poseidons out of bases in the Philippines.

The Pentagon’s most advanced spy planes, the Poseidons are monitoring the contentious waters of the South China Sea, where various nations – including China – claim overlapping territories.

For its 2015 budget, China increased military spending by 10%, marking a steady rise over the last two decades. That budget now totals $141.45 billion, second in the world only to the US defense budget of $600 billion.

 

[Deino]

An old image ...

.. and now complete !

 

[cirr]

 

[cirr]

New radar dome for new KJ-XXX or ZDK-XX？

 

[cirr]

 

[black-hawk_101]

I think last year we heard that PAF has already ordered another 4 of these systems; is it true then where these 3 Saab-2000 AEW&Cs+ 1 Saab-2000 transport will go. I think they might be shift to Southern Command. As Southern command might buy some additional 4-6 Saab-2000 transport for VIP purpose.

 

[cirr]

I think last year we heard that PAF has already ordered another 4 of these systems; is it true then where these 3 Saab-2000 AEW&Cs+ 1 Saab-2000 transport will go. I think they might be shift to Southern Command. As Southern command might buy some additional 4-6 Saab-2000 transport for VIP purpose.

KJ-500s are not yet available for export。

They will be when next generation of AEW&C with conformal radar etc is ready for induction into the PLAAF。

 

[black-hawk_101]

KJ-500s are not yet available for export。

They will be when next generation of AEW&C with conformal radar etc is ready for induction into the PLAAF。

But it is for PAF as PAF has already ordered another 4 I guess! So what would happen to SAAB-2000?

 

[Beast]

But it is for PAF as PAF has already ordered another 4 I guess! So what would happen to SAAB-2000?

I think F-16 and JF-17 are not able to share datalink. They both need different AWACS to operate. Voice updating might be still possible.