Y-8 (GaoXin 1) Electronic Intelligence Aircraft

The “GaoXin 1” project is an electronic warfare (EW) and electronic intelligence (ELINT) aircraft based on the Yun-8C airframe. The aircraft features a large canoe-shape radome under the forward fuselage, possibly housing a phased array radar or ECM antenna. The aircraft retained the glass-in nose of the Y-8C, but had the rear loading ramp removed and replaced by an array of electronic equipment antennas. More antennas can be found under the fuselage between the main landing gears. At least two examples (“21011” and “21013”) have been identified operational with the PLAAF 10th Air Division of the Nanjing Military Region Air Force.

Last update: 14 March 2009