Some Z-9C are fitted with an indigenous KLC-1 surface search radar working at X-band. The radar provides can detect targets at over-the-horizon distance and transmit it to the carrier ship. The helicopter can also guide the anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM) via its datalink at the missile’s initial stage of flight.slackpiv said:The superior range of the yj-62 means nothing. The 052C will not be able to target over the horizon unless China's get the KA-31.
The Z-9C can also be configured for anti-surface missile command relay missions. This significantly improves the PLAN vessel's observation, reconnaissance and attack capabilities well beyond the range of the vessel's surface search system. When the helicopter's surface search radar detects the enemy ship, the target information is transferred to the carrier ship through datalink. The anti-ship missile also relies on the guidance data from the helicopter at the initial stage of an 'over-the-horizon' attack.