KJ-2000 Mainring
A PLAAF KJ-2000 AWACS was approaching the runway before landing. Its prototype was first spotted undergoing testing in Nanjing in 2003, carrying a CFTE emblem (S/N 762). The KJ-2000 prototype was based on Russian A-50I airframe but fitted with an indigenous AEW and a C3I system, including IFF and datalink. The AEW system, developed by Nanjing Research Institute of Electronic Technology/14th Institute, is presumably similar, but slightly inferior to the Israeli Phalcon system. It was reported that the system can track 60-100 aerial targets simultaneously at 400km away. The aircraft features a fixed rotodome housing three AESA antennas in a triangular configuration. As the result a 360° radar coverage can be achieved. A SATCOM antenna is installed inside the fairing on top of the forward cabin. Two large angled ventral fins are attached underneath the tail to compensate the impact of rotodome on aircraft handling. A nose-mounted IFR probe (on #762 only) suggests its operations could be further extended with the tanker (Il-78) support. Following the humiliation of the cancelled A-50I/Phalcon contract with Israel in 2000, China salvaged this A-50I prototype from Israel via Russia in 2002 the Phalcon system removed. It was reported that a significant amount of resources have been invested into this high-priority project (Project 998?) at the 603 Institute/XAC/14th Institute following an executive order issued by the Chinese President. The compete system first flew on November 11, 2003 as KJ-2000 after overcoming various technical difficulties. More KJ-2000s were converted from the China United Airline Il-76MD transport fleet, including B-4040 through B-4043. The first two KJ-2000s were handed over to PLAAF in 2005. Currently 4 KJ-2000s are stationed in Jiangsu Province, facing Japan and Taiwan (S/N 30071-30074). However further conversion from Il-76MD appears to have been halted due to the limited quantity available. Additional KJ-2000 class AWACS may depend on the import of additional Il-76MDs as well as the availability of indigenous Y-20 transport aircraft.
- Last Updated 12/28/11