Harbin SH-5 (Shuishang Hongzhaji)

History

The Harbin SH-5 became a locally designed and developed airship for the Chinese Navy ("Program") in the late Cold War (1947-1991). Design work on the aircraft began in 1968 after the Ziel 3/17 program was discontinued, culminating in a working prototype and its maiden flight on April 3, 1976. However, the development phase proved to be quite lengthy, as the aircraft did not officially enter the PLAN inventory until 1986. Limited series production lasted from 1984 to 1985, and only seven were eventually produced.

The line is still running today (2015), although it is poised to be replaced by more modern types such as the AVIC "TA-600" under development.

The series is undoubtedly influenced by Soviet-era airships - its hull-like hull can land and take off on water, and the cockpit sits high above the nose with stunning views of the terrain ahead. The main-wing aircraft are designed as monoplanes, shoulder-mounted, with a pair of engines mounted on the leading edge of each aircraft and equipped with underwater buoys to ensure stability on the water.

The tail uses dual vertical tail assemblies and is installed at the rear of the fuselage. While the SH-5 is primarily an aquatic system, it retains the wheeled landing gear for land-based functionality.

In this way, the series is a true amphibian with excellent sea capabilities - mostly versatility and range.

The typical crew of the SH-5 is 8 people. It has a payload capacity of up to 22,000 pounds, and the airframe is rated to carry weapons up to 13,000 pounds. Dimensions include an overall length of 127.6 feet, a wingspan of 118 feet and a height of 32 feet. Curb weight is 55,115 lbs and maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) is 99,200 lbs. Power is provided by 4 "Dongan" WJ5A series turboprop engines, each producing 3,150 hp, while driving 4 four-blade constant-speed propellers with built-in reverse function (Dongan also powers the Xi'an Yun-7 transport aircraft).

Performance specs include a top speed of 345 mph, a cruising speed of 280 mph, a range of up to 3,000 miles and a service ceiling of 33,630 feet. The avionics modification includes a Doppler search radar unit installed in the nose.

A Magnetic Anomaly Detector (MAD) boom is deployed from the tail when needed.

In terms of armament, the SH-5 supports a variety of maritime weapon systems through four external hardpoints, including anti-submarine warfare (ASW) torpedoes, anti-ship missiles (ASM), depth charges, mines, and conventionally thrown bombs.

"SH-5" refers to the original production model, consisting of the only prototype and four production quality molds. This led to the "SH-5A" branding, which was essentially an SH-5 airframe equipped with ELINT (Electronic Intelligence) equipment for maritime patrols.

At least one batch of SH-5s were modified for firefighting missions and designated "PS-5s".

As we all know, an SH-5 was lost in a crash in 2013 that took the lives of all its crew members.

Specification

Basic

Production

Roles

Dimensions

Weight

Performance

Performance

ARMAMENT

VARIANTS