Zhuhai Air Show 2018
- Thread starter Deino
- Start date
That would explain the difference in weight between the older system and the newer version with side-mounted arrays...
hThere are now at least two variants of the KLJ-7A AESA radar. As seen before, the latest variant comes with side arrays:
This (earlier?) version doesn't have side arrays, and the shape of the main array is slightly different:
There are now at least two variants of the KLJ-7A AESA radar. As seen before, the latest variant comes with side arrays:
This (earlier?) version doesn't have side arrays, and the shape of the main array is slightly different:
great pictures.
I don't think the single main array variant is an earlier type actually -- if we look at Zhuhai 2016 pics of the KLJ-7A model we can see that they aren't the same and the current one is refined a little.
More importantly, we can see both in the picture and in the placard (zoom in we can see mechanical+electrical scanning) that this variant of KLJ-7A is mounted on a mechanically steered platform, which will allow it to have a greater FOV compared to fixed AESAs. Similar to CAPTOR-E and Vixen 1000E.
Also note that the three array variant of KLJ-7A, how the main array seems to be mounted on a nose bulkhead that has the vaguely diamond shape of an aircraft with chines -- i.e.: a stealth aircraft. I wonder if the three array variant of KLJ-7A may have been designed with a stealth fighter in mind.
by78
General
Great catch. I remember when KLJ-7A was first shown, the antenna cover was mostly circular, but with left and right sides slightly 'filed off'. It was mounted on a fixed vertical bulkhead, as opposed to a canted swivel plate. That's why I said there are now at least two variants, since I wasn't sure if the original was a final design or merely a demonstration unit.
As for the side-array variant, it certainly looks like it's been designed with a stealth fighter in mind. Since it's likely not intended for the F-35 or the Su-57, I can only imagine it's for the FC-31/J-31.
SinoSoldier
Colonel
JF-17 Block III seems to be a likely candidate platform for these radar variants.
Yep, check out the high G hard right to high G hard left transition at about 5:05, that looks painful, just a quick flick, 90 degree right roll to 90 degree left roll, 180 degrees of roll in less than a second, somebody check me out on this, but that is a very quick roll....
check out 4:30 that turn after the climb was impressive! I can not wait to see what a TVC engine equipped J20 can do in future airshow LOL
kwaigonegin
Colonel
yes, that's quite the transition. I will definitely need barf bag if I was inside.
kwaigonegin
Colonel
Where is Andreas? he must be creaming his pants everyday. Probably going dark due to occupational requirements.