HQ-16 Surface to Air Missiles (SAMs)
The Hong Qi 16 (Red Flag 16) or HQ-16 is a Chinese medium-range air defense missile system. Its development commenced in 2005. It is based on the Soviet Shtil naval air defense system, which in turn is a version of the Buk. China obtained the Russian Shtil air defense systems from Russia for use on their Sovremenny class and Type 052B class destroyers. Development of the Chinese missile was reportedly assisted by the Russian Almaz-Antey company. The HQ-16 can be seen as a Chinese improved equivalent of the Buk. The HQ-16 reached operational capability with the Chinese armed forces in 2011. Currently the HQ-16 is being widely used in China. Export version of this air defense system has been exported to Pakistan.
Even though HQ-16 uses Buk technology, it has some significant differences. Launchers of the Chinese SAM system are based on 6x6 high mobility truck rather than a tracked chassis. However radar is carried by another truck. Missiles are store in containers and are launched vertically.
In Chinese armed forces the HQ-16 fits the gap between the short-range HQ-7 and medium- to long rande HQ-9. This air defense system is mainly used to protect stationary assets such as airfields, command posts, concentration of troops, bridges, and other important targets.
Missile of the HQ-16 evolved from the Soviet 9M38 missile, used by the Buk. However the Chinese missile is more capable than its predecessor.
The HQ-16 has a maximum range against aircraft of 40 km. It can engage cruise missiles at a range of 3.5 to 18 km. This air defense system can engage very low flying and high altitude targets. It can reach targets at an altitude of up to 18 km. Claimed hit probability of an aircraft with a single missile is 85%. Hit probability of a cruise missile is 60%.
The HQ-16 launcher is based on Taian TA5350 6x6 special wheeled chassis. The TEL carries 6 containers with missiles. Missiles are launcher vertically. Two missiles can be launched within a short period of time.
A battery of the HQ-16 consists of four launcher vehicles, command post, two radar vehicles, missile transport and reloading vehicles, power supply vehicles and so on. Most of them are based on the same 6x6 high mobility chassis.
The radar detects enemy aircraft at a range of 140 km and altitude of 20 km. The radar can detect up to 144 and track up to 48 targets simultaneously.
Variants
HHQ-16 (Red Sea 16) is a naval version of the HQ-16.
HQ-16A is an improved version that uses improved missile with slightly better performance.
LY-80 is an export version of the HQ-16A. It incorporates cold vertical launch method. It was first presented and is being proposed since 2011. In 2013-2015 Pakistan ordered a number of LY-80 missile systems. It looks like deliveries commenced in 2017.
HQ-16B is a further improved version with extended range. Its missile has improved rocket motor and revised wings. Missiles range increased from 40 km to 70 km. This system was revealed in 2016.