KJ-600 carrierborne AEWC thread & possible KY-600 (?) COD aircraft

[SanWenYu]

Self-explanatory and in a bit better quality.

Why does the radar dome support in the second photo looks odd and different than that of the first photo?

 

[by78]

Why does the radar dome support in the second photo looks odd and different than that of the first photo?

Because in the first photo the support struts were partially obscured by the wing and engine, and the photo was smoothed out to further obscure/blend the boundaries of the struts and the fairing? Or perhaps these are two different airframes with slightly different support designs?

 

[SanWenYu]

Because in the first photo the support struts were partially obscured by the wing and engine, and the photo was smoothed out to further obscure/blend the boundaries of the struts and the fairing? Or perhaps these are two different airframes with slightly different support designs?

I'm leaning towards that they're two different airframes. The red paint marks are different, too.

 

[Atomicfrog]

I'm leaning towards that they're two different airframes. The red paint marks are different, too.

Even the engine nacelle look to be different, landing gear doors, side vents...

 

[by78]

More video footage.

 

[Deino]

Another one ...

 

[by78]

Self-explanatory.

 

[Deino]

Looks like a third KJ-600 since it carries both the red/yellow and the grey/white formation stripes unlike 7105 and 7106!



@huitong ... do you know more or even its number?

 

[Totoro]

So is the airframe summary thus this: six prototypes.
Of which, last two prototypes given over to plan for evaluation
Then 3 more airframes (preserial standard? ) given over to plan?
For a total of currently 9 airframes of which 5 serving with Plan?

 

[Tomboy]

So is the airframe summary thus this: six prototypes.
Of which, last two prototypes given over to plan for evaluation
Then 3 more airframes (preserial standard? ) given over to plan?
For a total of currently 9 airframes of which 5 serving with Plan?

If that's the case is it possible that the production run for KJ-600 right now is already done. 5 KJ-500 is enough to equip Fujian maybe add 2-3 spares/trainer operating from land. Type 004 won't be in service for another 5-6 years and Shandong, Liaoning can't operate KJ-600s. For shore based AEWC PLAN has their own KJ-500H and KJ-700 I don't think they need KJ-600 especially it probably can't perform AEWC duties but only AEW.