KJ-200 AEW&C aircraft based on the Y-8F600 platform (Chinese Internet)
The Y-8F600 is the latest development variant of the Shaanxi Y-8 (Chinese copy of the An-12 Cub) military transport aircraft. The aircraft was developed under the assistance of Ukraine-based Antonov Aeronautical Scientific-Technical Complex (ASTC) and Pratt and Whitney Canada. The Y-8F600 configured to provide an aerial platform for airborne early warning aircraft and other special purposes is referred to as “Category-III Platform”. The aircraft made its first flight on 14 January 2005.
Based on the successful Shaanxi Y-8 series transport aircraft, the Y-8F600 has been extensively modified and upgraded with Western technologies including turboprop engine and avionics. The development programme began in 1999, with two foreign partners Ukraine-based Antonov Aeronautical Scientific-Technical Complex (ASTC) and Pratt and Whitney Canada joining the programme in 2000~2002. Under the contract signed in 2002, Shaanxi and Antonov shall jointly design, assemble prototypes, certify and put into series the new Y-8F600 transport, while P&W was responsible for providing its PW150B engine to power the aircraft.
A risks-sharing partner under the programme, Antonov provided Shaanxi with the results of rigidity and aerodynamic research, as well as documents on aircraft maintainability and service life. It also designed the new wing with fuel tanks and developed technology to build it. Antonov would also share its technical data and experience with Shaanxi, and was involved in the test of the aircraft. The first flight of the Y-8F600 was made successfully on 14 January 2005.
The Y-8F600 is also referred to by Shaanxi and the PLA as “Category-III Platform”, which would provide an advanced aerial platform for special purposes such as airborne early warning (AEW/AWACS), electronic warfare and intelligence (EW/ELINT), maritime patrol, etc. The terms of Category-I and -II platforms are used to refer to the aerial platforms developed from the Y-8 basic variant and Y-8C fully-pressurised variant respectively.
The successful development of the Y-8F600 was seen as a significant achievement for Shaanxi.
Avionics
The Y-8F600 features an advanced two-man ‘glass’ cockpit. As well as basic flight avionics, the aircraft is equipped with datalink, flight management and control, and near ground warning system.
Powerplant
The Y-8F600 is powered by four P&W PB150B turboprop engines. The all-composite six-blade R-408 propeller system was developed by British Dodi company. This arrangement offers improved take-off performance at "hot and high" airports and high altitude cruise performance, extended engine service lives, and lower engine operating and maintenance costs. In addition, noise levels will be reduced and meet stringent airport noise restrictions. The aircraft maximum take-off weight is increased to 65t.
