PLA soldiers practicing the operation of the HN-5 MANPADS (Source: Chinese Internet)
Information
Last updated: 21 December 2007
The HN-5 is China’s first-generation shoulder-launched air defence missile (also known as man-portable air-defence system, or MANPADS). The missile is generally a copy of the Russian 9K32M Strela-2 (NATO codename: SA-7 Grail) originally introduced in 1968. The missile entered service with the PLA ground forces in the early 1990s and has been equipped in significant numbers. The HN-5 series will be replaced by the more capable QW-series in the future.
China developed the HN-5 shoulder-launched air defence missile in the 1980s based on the 1960s-era Soviet 9K32M Strela-2 (SA-7) technology. Compared to the SA-7, the HN-5 has improved performance. The HN-5 is the first generation of Chinese shoulder-launched surface-to-air missile. China has also developed three improved variants including the HN-5A, which is said to have all-aspect attack capability and longer range; the HN-5B with further improved performance; and the vehicle-mounted variant HN-5C.
The HN-5 entered service with the PLA in the early 1990s to provide ultra low-altitude, short-range air defence cover for the ground troops. It was also seen used onboard navy surface ships to provide the urgently needed air defence capability. The missile was produced in significant numbers in a range of variants, and was exported to many countries. A similar missile is produced in Pakistan in the name of Anza MK-1.
The HN-5 is only suitable in visible weather conditions. Early variant of the missile can attack jet aircraft from the tail aspect or attack helicopters from all aspects. Although classed as "fire and forget" types, like its origin SA-7, the HN-5 is easily overcome by solar heat and, when used in hilly terrain, by heat from the ground according to some test results. The missile is limited in range, speed, and altitude, however, it forces enemy pilots to fly above minimum radar limitations which results in detection and vulnerability to regimental and divisional air defence systems.
The system consists of the missile, a reusable tube launcher, and a thermal battery. The missile's seeker is fitted with a filter to reduce the effectiveness of decoying flares and to block IR emissions. An identification friend or foe (IFF) system can be fitted to the operators helmet.
HN-5 in Use with the PLA: The HN-5 is in service with the PLA ground forces (top left); PLA Navy (top right), and PLA Air Force (bottom) (Source: Chinese Internet)
