The Shaanxi KJ-200 (NATO reporting name: Moth), also known as the Shaanxi GX-5, is an airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft developed by the Shaanxi Aircraft Corporation of China. It is based on the Shaanxi Y-8 military transport aircraft.
Design and development Development began in 2002 after the United States blocked the sale of the Israeli EL/W-2090 Phalcon radar to China. According to Science and Technology Daily, Ouyang Shaoxiu, Shaanxi's chief designer, was the program's chief designer, 80% of the Y-8 was modified to create the KJ-200.
The primary sensor is a JY-06 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar mounted in a "plank" or 'balance beam" housing above the fuselage; the configuration resembles various uses of the Ericsson Erieye radar system.
The aircraft's first flight was in January 2005. The second aircraft crashed in 2006 due to wing icing; the crash "almost derailed" the program.
Operational history
The KJ-200 aircraft entered service with the People's Liberation Army in 2007. Its first official public appearance was at the 2009 Chinese National Day Parade.
In February 2017, a US Navy Lockheed P-3 Orion and a KJ-200 inadvertently passed within of each other over the South China Sea.
Variants KJ-200 Base variant. KJ-200A Modified KJ-200 with revised nose section and new electronics. First observed in December 2016. "KJ-200AG" Unofficial designation for KJ-200A with inflight air refueling probe. KJ-200H Modified KJ-200 for PLA Navy. KJ-200B Adds satellite communications and new electronics. First observed in 2016. Entered service in 2023.
Operators
People's Liberation Army Air Force - 4 People's Liberation Army Naval Air Force - 6
See also
References
Sources