AS-332L1 (courtesy of YCHP, XD)
- Last Updated 12/26/08
Helicopters Helicopters Destroyers Submarines Missiles Missiles UAVs |
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AS-332L1 (courtesy of YCHP, XD)
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Around 6 AS-332L1 Super Puma are in
service with PLAAF (serial # 21xx). This civilian version was acquired in the 1986 and has mainly
served as a VIP transport helicopter. Some specifications: max TO weight 9,000kg, max speed 278km/h,
range 618km, ceiling 3,500m.
- Last Updated 12/26/08 |
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F-7MP (courtesy of NN & CSWY)
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F-7MP is a further upgraded variant of F-7P with improved cockpit layout
and navigation system. PAF ordered 60 F-MPs during the late 80s, then later took
delivery of another 80 aircraft. It was reported that subsequently all F-7Ps were upgraded to
MP standard but this has not been confirmed. Both F-7P and F-7MP are gereranlly
referred to as F-7P since the external difference is minimum. The most noticeable feature of
F-7MP is the BM/KJ-8602 RWR antennas on top of the vertical tail.
In the mid-90s PAF planned to replace GMAv Skyranger ranging radar with the more powerful FIAR
Grifo 7 multi-mode fire-control radar, but the work was postponed until early 2004 due to
certain technical and financial difficulties.
- Last Updated 7/9/04 |
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Y-8CA (courtesy of SZL, AB, MMDTK)
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A single Y-8C transport aircraft (serial #079) was converted into a radar
testbed by XAC as Y-8CA. It has been used exclusively by China
Flight Test Establishment (CFTE) at Yanliang to test various airborne radar and related
equipment. The most noticeable feature is a modular radome section which replaced the old Tu-16
style glass nosecone. Radomes in different shapes and sizes (pointed vs. blunt) can be adoped
depending on the type of radar antenna being tested. The Y-8CA
radar testbed first flew in August 1999 and was believed to have been involved in several key
fighter and fighter bomber projects (e.g. J-10, J-11B & JH-7A). Currently the aircarft also serves
as the testbed for a new 6-blade high-efficiency propeller which has been installed on its #1
engine. The new properller has been adopted by the new Y-8 Type III platform.
- Last Updated 3/31/08 |
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K-8V (courtesy of AGZSD)
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First unveiled at 1998 Zhuhai Airshow, K-8V is the 2nd generation "variable stability
aircraft and inflight simulation test aircraft" (IFSTA). Modified by CFTE from a single K-8 intermediate
trainer (#203), it features a three-axial variable stability FBW system allowing it to simulate the flight
characteristics of various aircraft, such as F-16, Mirage 2000, J-8 and Su-27, by loading various software
of flight parameters. Up to 8 sets of flight parameters can be loaded into the computer for each flight. Its
forward cockpit has been equipped with the FBW controls while the rear
cockpit retaining the mechanical controls as the emergency backup. GPS and MFDs were also installed in the
forward cockpit. K-8V not only can simulate pitch, roll and yaw, but also can simulate take-off and landing
of other aircraft. Since its first flight in June 1991, K-8V is believed to have become a valuable tool in
simulating and verifying the new generation of Chinese military aircraft designs, such as J-10 and JH-7A.
- Last Updated 9/18/05 |
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Boeing 737 Missile Tracking Aircraft (courtesy of QY)
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It is believed that this missile tracking aircraft was developed by Xian
Aircraft Corporation (XAC) and the 603 Institute. The aircraft appears to have been converted from
a Boeing 737-3Q8 passenger aircraft (without the US approval) which was originally purchased by
China United Airline in 1990. A prominent feature of this aircraft is a fairing on top of the
forward fuselage and two more fairings located underneath the mid-section of the fuselage, which could
house datalink and telemetry antennas. The aircraft also adopts a light grey color scheme. This Boeing
737 missile tracking aircraft may have been involved in various Chinese
MRBM, ICBM and LACM programs such as DF-21, DF-31 and CJ-10 series. Two were converted (B-4052 & 4053).
- Last Updated 5/10/10 |
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Y-7 AWACS (courtesy of QFYK)
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During a visit of Chinese vice prime minister to the 603 Institute in April 2005,
the head of the institute introduced a new AWACS model to the VIP visitors. The model appears similar
to American E-2C, characterized by a large rotodome and a large cooling intake on top of forward cabin.
It also features two turboprop engines with 6-blade high-efficient propellers. This new AWACS might be
based on the Y-7/MA-60 passenger aircraft and has been speculated to be carrierborne. The radar may be
a scale-down version used by KJ-2000 AWACS with three AESA arrays installed in a fixed rotodome.
The emergence of Y-7 AWACS suggests that Chinese are working on multiple platforms at multiple levels
to enhance their AWACS capability.
- Last Updated 10/25/09 |
ZDK-03 (courtesy of XD, EGTAHZ,) 
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ZDK-03 is an export AWACS system being developed for the Pakistani Air Force. This project was
initiated in the early 2000. A prototype (serial # T0518/Project 021) based on Y-8
Category II Platform
was first discovered at CFTE in early 2006. Unlike KJ-200, this variant carries a tranditional rotodome above its
fuselage, with a mechanically rotating antenna inside. Therefore the Y-8 AWACS was speculated to be developed for the
export market only as it appears less advanced than KJ-200 which features a fixed AESA radar. The AEW radar may be the
product of the 38th Institute/CETC, but no details are available. The aircraft also features a solid nose and tail as
well as two small vertial tail stablizers. The Y-8 AWACS protoype was promoted to Pakistani AF in 2006. After some
negotiations a much improved design has been under development based on PAF's specifications. The variant is now dubbed
ZDK-03 and is based on the new Y-8 Category III Platform featuring 6-blade propellers. It was reported in early 2009
that a total of 4 has been ordered by PAF in a $278m deal, with the first one to be delivered by the end of 2010. ZDK-03
is expected to serve as an airborne command & control center for the JF-17 fighter fleet.
- Last Updated 7/4/10 |
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Il-76 Engine Testbed (courtesy of HWBS, GTJL)
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T first picture of the new Il-76 engine testbed is shown here. The aircraft was modified from a
former Russian Il-76SKIP/Be-976 missile tracking aircraft (serial # RA-76456). The
modification including the removal of the radar system took place in 2004 at the LII Flight Research Institute and
the aircraft was handed over to China in mid-2005. The inner engine on the port side has been converted into an engine
testbed, an arrangement similar to Russian Il-76LL engine testbed variant. Two large wingtip pods were retained which
now might house engine monitoring instrument. Two small pods of unknown purpose (camera?) can be seen attached to the
rear fuselage. The IL-76 engine testbed (serial # 76456/760) has entered the service with CFTE, replacing the old
Tu-16 engine testbed. The aircraft is expected to be used for testing the new WS-10 series turbofan engines.
- Last Updated 4/8/09 |
