PLA AEW&C, SIGINT, EW and MPA thread

[ACuriousPLAFan]

So I added " ", they may not necessarily be for the so-called KJ-700, by the way, what is KJ-700. As @THX 1138 mentioned, there may be two designs for KJ-3000.

KJ-700 was first mentioned by @斯文的土匪--- on Weibo regarding the smaller radome on top of the right side building in the previous photo early this year.

Speaking of KJ-700, it's our first time seeing such designation as well - Never heard of that before.

Though, just as @THX 1138 has mentioned, perhaps there really is only one next-gen AEW&C aircraft in the works right now, regardless of whether that be KJ-700 or KJ-3000.

 

[ACuriousPLAFan]

In the meantime, I just found this size comparison of the KJ-500, KJ-600 and KJ-2000 respectively when viewed from space. Can't say it's exact, but pretty close in accuracy:



Notice the visibly larger radome on the KJ-2000 compared to the radome on the KJ-500.

Then take a look at this photo again:



Given that in terms of overall size, the newer radome to the right is almost similar to the radome in the middle (which is purported to be for the KJ-3000), and given that the radome to the left is similar to (if not basically the same as) the one currently used onboard the KJ-500 - Again, like what @THX 1138 just said - The newer radome to the right is more likelier than not meant for the KJ-3000 as well as an alternate design to the large radome in the middle.

In the meantime, speaking of this older, smaller radome to the right side in the previous photo:



If the supposed KJ-700 project really does exist - Perhaps they've shelved it?

I do find it kinda unlikely that a Y-9-sized airlifter is capable of carrying such a large radome that was meant for a Il-76-sized airlifter without undergoing major modifications and compromises that follow...

Besides, even if the larger radome to the right is indeed meant for the KJ-700, then why bother with the KJ-3000 using a similarly overall-sized radome but with smaller radar arrays than the former?

Or was I thinking too much here?

 

[ACuriousPLAFan]

Interestingly, Cute Orca seems to indicate that the KJ-700 actually does exist?

kj700还是小平台大预警思路，kj3k才是大平台大预警

KJ-700 is still (based around the thinking of) the big early warning (functionality) on small platforms, while the KJ-3000 is the big early warning (functionality) on large platforms.

Q: 700还是Y9吗
Cute Orca: 对啊

Q: Is the (KJ-)700 still (based on the) Y-9?
Cute Orca: Yes

 

[BoraTas]

Interestingly, Cute Orca seems to indicate that the KJ-700 actually does exist?

View attachment 122798

If it exists, then I am fairly sure it will be a new AWACS on the Y-9 platform. There are persistent rumors around radar upgrades throughout the air force. J-16, J-20, J-11BG, etc... Logically, they would upgrade the AWACS too.

 

[ACuriousPLAFan]

If it exists, then I am fairly sure it will be a new AWACS on the Y-9 platform. There are persistent rumors around radar upgrades throughout the air force. J-16, J-20, J-11BG, etc... Logically, they would upgrade the AWACS too.

Rather surprising that the PLAAF doesn't want to wait for the Y-30 to come out first before going ahead with a KJ-500 successor.

In that case, the KJ-500-successor should have a significant enough leap from the KJ-500 to warrant a separate type of its own while still being based on the Y-9 platform (which, admittedly, is a rather dated design by this point in time).

Meanwhile, the capabilities, expertise and experience from the development and operation of the KJ-700 could then be brought over to the Y-30 from the Y-9 once the new platform is ready for induction.

 

[BoraTas]

Rather surprising that the PLAAF doesn't want to wait for the Y-30 to come out first before going ahead with a KJ-500 successor.

In that case, the KJ-500-successor should have a significant enough leap from the KJ-500 to warrant a separate type of its own while still being based on the Y-9 platform (which, admittedly, is a rather dated design by this point in time).

Meanwhile, the capabilities, expertise and experience from the development and operation of the KJ-700 could then be brought over to the Y-30 from the Y-9 once the new platform is ready for induction.

Is the Y-30 even a thing? Like did we even see a mockup? I don't even think it is necessary right now as the Y-20 is here and is filling a far bigger necessity.
Considering how far in the future the Y-30 is it makes sense for them to develop a new AWACS based on the Y-9.

 

[ACuriousPLAFan]

Is the Y-30 even a thing? Like did we even see a mockup? I don't even think it is necessary right now as the Y-20 is here and is filling a far bigger necessity.
Considering how far in the future the Y-30 is it makes sense for them to develop a new AWACS based on the Y-9.

The Y-30 refers to this:



There is no mockup of the Y-30 at present, but it is known that Shaanxi AC has started working on the project since May this year, if not earlier.

Besides, given the previously suggested notion that both the KJ-700 and KJ-3000 projects exist - The AEW&C based on the Y-9/Y-30 could occupy the "low" side of the high-low mix for China's AEW&C fleet, while the AEW&C based on the Y-20 occupies the "high" side of the high-low mix.

Though, I may have overestimated the speed of progress of the Y-30 project here...

 

[BoraTas]

The Y-30 refers to this:

View attachment 122809

There is no mockup of the Y-30 at present, but it is known that Shaanxi AC has started working on the project since May this year, if not earlier.

Besides, given the previously suggested notion that both the KJ-700 and KJ-3000 projects exist - The AEW&C based on the Y-9/Y-30 could occupy the "low" side of the high-low mix for China's AEW&C fleet, while the AEW&C based on the Y-20 occupies the "high" side of the high-low mix.

Though, I may have overestimated the speed of progress of the Y-30 project here...

Large aircraft projects take years. If they started in 2022, the introduction will be like 2030. Speaking of the Y-20-based special mission aircraft, they will be great for further out operations reaching deep in to the Pacific. Speed and endurance on their own would make a difference from the Y-9. And of course, those aircraft will accommodate way better sensors and more computing power.

 

[sunnymaxi]

Rather surprising that the PLAAF doesn't want to wait for the Y-30 to come out first before going ahead with a KJ-500 successor.

In that case, the KJ-500-successor should have a significant enough leap from the KJ-500 to warrant a separate type of its own while still being based on the Y-9 platform (which, admittedly, is a rather dated design by this point in time).

Meanwhile, the capabilities, expertise and experience from the development and operation of the KJ-700 could then be brought over to the Y-30 from the Y-9 once the new platform is ready for induction.

there is another possibility ..

KJ-700 will be based on Y-9 but this time with more powerful and efficient engines. 'AEP-500' ..

 

[ACuriousPLAFan]

Large aircraft projects take years. If they started in 2022, the introduction will be like 2030. Speaking of the Y-20-based special mission aircraft, they will be great for further out operations reaching deep in to the Pacific. Speed and endurance on their own would make a difference from the Y-9. And of course, those aircraft will accommodate way better sensors and more computing power.

In that case, here's hoping that these Y-20-based special mission aircrafts (including KJ-3000) will be fitted with refueling probes. The Pacific is an unforgiving place when it comes to mission distance and duration.

there is another possibility ..

KJ-700 will be based on Y-9 but this time with more powerful and efficient engines. 'AEP-500' ..

And we are still waiting for AEP500 to enter serial production and be installed on actual active service aircrafts en-masse first.

Until then, China only has the WJ-6 to depend upon... not a good thing.