No I mean it takes that long for China's commercial aviation companies to catch up and create a sanction proof supply chain
yes but however you spin it, there's a huge difference between a 2800 kg lift capability (G550) and a 25000 kg lift capability (Y-9). Anything you can do with 2800 kg lift, you can do better with 25000 kg lift. If nothing else, you can just use that extra lift capability to store tanks of fuel. like why is this even a point to argue.
What are the limitations? They needed a smaller array and went with 2 side conformal array + nose/tail array in different bands.
One limitation is that their line of sight is limited to a 120 degree cone in each band. With 4 radars it gives them 360 degree coverage - but not in each band. It also limits the azimuthal angles of view - for example, an aircraft flying right above or below it. Seems like a narrow use case - but what about missile defense i.e. look down for cruise missiles, look up for ballistic missiles?
Meanwhile a 6 antenna AESA radar in an enclosed, top mounted radome can provide 360 degree coverage at all azimuthal angles.
How many crew can it handle while also lifting all the electronics? Clearly their range and time on station must be diminished due to the increased weight, is that change published? Does it have command facilities?
Finally, China doesn't build business jets. China does build both turboprop transports and jet transports. Is there a reason to wait until a business jet is here to build a smaller AWAC?
uh, it is well known and documented that bar AESA AEW has severe limitations at high offbore angles.
This is why KJ-200 was dropped and ended production once the superior Y-9 platform was adapted for the KJ-500.