Aviation Naval Warfare Land Systems Small Arms By Flag By Year By Tag

Shaanxi KJ-2000 (Mainring)

2009 MODERN AIRCRAFT

History

During the Cold War, China was one of the many Soviet states that took over the inventory of the famous four-engine Ilyushin IL-76 heavy transport aircraft. With decades of experience in airframe operations, the IL-76 became the basis for the state-of-the-art Shaanxi KJ-2000 (NATO codename "Mainring"), the AWAC (Airborne Early Warning and Control) platform for the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF).

To date, only a few products of this type are produced, although these are entirely based on Chinese systems and electronics, allowing for largely local solutions - and thus less and less reliance on foreign participation.

AWAC aircraft provide the Air Force with the "eye in the sky" needed to engage air, land and sea targets. Additionally, they are fully mobile roaming platforms in a fluid battlefield environment and are further connected to accompanying troops to provide real-time battlefield analysis.

The aircraft can play both offensive and defensive roles, intercepting or guiding aircraft to their target as needed.

The KJ-2000 was born in 2000 after a failed deal with Russia for the Ilyushin A-50I (Israeli Radar) due to US pressure on Israel. This forced the Chinese leadership to look for a viable AWAC solution, and engineers began working on the IL-76 airframe, taking airframe-mounted radar components and equipping it with various avionics, sensors, and control stations. The resulting aircraft appears to be nothing more than an IL-76 with a radome mounted on a sturdy stand. The aircraft retained the shape and function of the Il-76, with a four-engine layout, high wings and a T-tail.

The aircraft's performance specifications are believed to be the same as the existing IL-76. The radar system is a locally designed initiative by NRIET.

The first prototype made its maiden flight sometime in 2003, and the stables have since grown to maybe five or six of these airframes. Observers also spotted a version of the KJ with a fixed radar, possibly with enhanced capabilities. This model has been designated KJ-3000 to indicate the change.

With the arrival of the KJ-2000, the Chinese Air Force will be greatly expanded. Of course, this has become even more important to keep pace with Western rivals as AWAC's inventory builds, although the move widens the gap with China's smaller regional neighbors.

It also helps to further break down existing reliance on technology, which is often imported from suppliers in other parts of the world.

China's first AWACS squadron was established in 2004 and received aircraft the following year. These planes will undoubtedly be used to monitor the current situation in the South China Sea and any related disputes with Japan, Russia and other countries.