Shaanxi KJ-2000 (Mainring)
China (2009)
Type: Airborne Early Warning and Control (AWACs)
Manufacturer(s): Xian Aircraft Industrial Corporation - China
Production: 5
Introduced in 2009, the Shaanxi KJ-2000 serves the Chinese Army Air Force in the AWACs role.
Detailing the development and operational history of the Shaanxi KJ-2000 (Mainring) Airborne Early Warning and Control (AWACs).
Entry last updated on 6/13/2017. Authored by Staff Writer. Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.comAWAC aircraft provide air powers the "eyes in the skies" required when at war against air, land and sea targets. Additionally, these are roving platforms, completely mobile, over a fluid battlefield environment and further linked to accompanying forces to provide real-time battlefield analysis. Such aircraft can operate in offensive- and defensive-minded roles as required and direct intercepting or strike aircraft to targets.
The KJ-2000 was born in 2000 after a deal with Russia for the Ilyushin A-50I (Israeli radar) fell through due to U.S. pressure on Israel. This forced the hand of Chinese leaders to locate a viable AWAC solution from within which is where engineers began work on the IL-76 airframe to take on a fuselage-mounted radar assembly and to be outfitted with a bevy of onboard electronics, sensors and control stations. The resulting aircraft appears as nothing more than the IL-76 with a radome mounted atop a solid support. The aircraft retains the general Il-76 form and function complete with its quad-engine layout, high-mounted wings and T-style tail unit. It is assumed that performance specifications of the aircraft follow that of the existing IL-76. The radar system is a locally-designed initiative by NRIET.
The initial prototype achieved first flight sometime in 2003 and the stable has slowly grown to number perhaps as many as five or six such airframes since. Observers have also identified a version of the KJ with a fixed radar, presumably with heightened capabilities. This model has been given the designation of KJ-3000 to signify the change.
With the arrival of the KJ-2000, Chinese air power is significantly broadened. Of course this will be more important with larger stocks of AWAC aircraft on hand to keep pace with Western rivals though the move does widen the gap with China against its smaller regional neighbors. It also serves to further break preexisting reliance on technology usually imported from suppliers elsewhere in the world.
The first Chinese AWAC squadron was formed in 2004 with aircraft received the following year. These aircraft will, no doubt, be used to monitor the ongoing situation over the South China Sea and all of its related disputes with Japan, Russia and others.
The initial prototype achieved first flight sometime in 2003 and the stable has slowly grown to number perhaps as many as five or six such airframes since. Observers have also identified a version of the KJ with a fixed radar, presumably with heightened capabilities. This model has been given the designation of KJ-3000 to signify the change.
With the arrival of the KJ-2000, Chinese air power is significantly broadened. Of course this will be more important with larger stocks of AWAC aircraft on hand to keep pace with Western rivals though the move does widen the gap with China against its smaller regional neighbors. It also serves to further break preexisting reliance on technology usually imported from suppliers elsewhere in the world.
The first Chinese AWAC squadron was formed in 2004 with aircraft received the following year. These aircraft will, no doubt, be used to monitor the ongoing situation over the South China Sea and all of its related disputes with Japan, Russia and others.
Our Data Modules allow for quick visual reference when comparing a single entry against contemporary designs. Areas covered include general ratings, speed assessments, and relative ranges based on distances between major cities.
Relative Maximum Speed Rating
Hi: 750mph
Lo: 375mph
This entry's maximum listed speed (559mph).
Graph average of 562.5 miles-per-hour.
Relative Operational Ranges
NYC
LON
LON
PAR
PAR
BER
BER
MOS
MOS
TOK
TOK
SYD
SYD
LAX
LAX
NYC
Graph showcases the Shaanxi KJ-2000 (Mainring)'s operational range (on internal fuel) when compared to distances between major cities.
Aviation Era Impact
Useful in showcasing the era cross-over of particular aircraft/aerospace designs.
Unit Production Comparison
Comm. Market HI*: 44,000 units
Military Market HI**: 36,183 units
5
5
* Commercial Market High belongs to Cessna 172.
** Military Market High belongs to Ilyushin Il-2.
Altitude Visualization
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Supported Mission Types
Air-to-Air
Interception
Unmanned
Ground Attack
Close-Air Support
Training
Anti-Submarine
Anti-Ship
Airborne Early Warning
MEDEVAC
Electronic Warfare
Maritime/Navy
Aerial Tanker
Utility/Transport
Passenger Industry
VIP Travel
Business Travel
Search/Rescue
Recon/Scouting
Special Forces
X-Plane/Development
Crew: 7
Length: 152.89 ft (46.6 m)
Width: 165.68 ft (50.50 m)
Height: 48.23 ft (14.70 m)
Empty Weight: 203,928 lb (92,500 kg)
MTOW: 418,878 lb (190,000 kg)
Installed Power
4 x turbofan engines developing 14,500lb of thrust each.
Standard Day Performance
Maximum Speed: 559 mph (900 kph; 486 kts)
Maximum Range: 2,672 mi (4,300 km; 2,322 nm)
Service Ceiling: 42,651 ft (13,000 m; 8.08 mi)
Armament
None. Restricted to mission equipment and countermeasures.
Operators List
China
Series Model Variants
• KJ-2000 - Base Series Designation
• KJ-3000 - Confirmed updated form with new radar array.