Strange, AG600 ???
PLA AEW&C, SIGINT, EW and MPA thread
- Thread starter Sczepan
- Start date
It looked a bit like the front of AG600 first prototype., but it's not high enough from the ground. There's something on the ground that make it look weird but probably not part of the plane, maybe a fuel / service truck ?
Turboprop is more fuel efficient therefor longer time in the air. Turbofan flies higher about 2000 metres (10000m vs. 12000m) which gives larger coverage area. One can not say one is better than the other without considering the mission demand.
Choosing a platform is based on many things including the above, but even more on logistic consideration. C919 is in the same class as 737, so it can be made a good AWACS, but that also means PLA has to pay for another development program they have already paid to turboprop based AWACS, and they will have another type to maintain, the costs may not worth the questionable "advantage" of turbofan platform.
IMO, There is a good reason for C919 AWACS when the existing turboprop AWACS fleet is close to retirement that demands switching to a new platform. So I would say C919 is possible, but not in the near term even when C919 is fully domesticated. In other words, PLA is not in a hury to switch.
AG600's nose is tinny compared to the one in the hanger. AG600 is also much taller.
Not to doubt your statement, but aren't most AWACS platforms in the West turbofan based? The most significant outlier would have to be the E-2D Hawkeye I would guess.
Just wondering why we see seemingly much greater use of turbofans on Western AWACS aircraft?
Fire extinguisher box perhaps considering the red colour.
IMO, E-2D is not an outliner because there is no alternative for that size for the given range etc. I also think turboprop aircraft is better in generating lift (short take-off). Turbofan gives more thrust but is pointless since you will use catapult any way.
Because China did not have a turbofan aircraft of the right size when they developped AWACS while both west and USSR/Russia had. You do with what you have. Once you are there you need a stronger reason to switch.
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Talking more about the grey square at the bottom of the fuselage, it doesn't look like a radome to me.