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Military Aspects of the Air Show China 2008
Air-Defence Missiles
No new air-defence missile was unveiled in this year’s air show, though new systems are still being introduced based on existing missile designs. In particular, China has developed a range of mobile air-defence missile systems aimed to engage low-flying aircraft and helicopters on the battlefield. These systems all use fire-and-forget missiles derived from AAM designs such as PL-9, SD-10, and TY-90, or man-portable air defence systems (MANPADS), coupled with an electro-optical targeting unit and/or a surveillance radar, mounted on a 4X4 wheeled vehicle. These designs are intended for the export market, with little possibility of being accepted by the PLA.
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| Air-Defence Missile Systems: Various mobile air-defence missile systems and MANPADS designed to engage low-altitude and ultra-low-altitude airborne targets on the battlefield (Photo: Duncan Yum) |
Land Warfare Systems
Although an aerospace show, the Zhuhai air show also featured some land warfare weapon systems developed by the Chinese aerospace industry. An unexpected star of this year’s air show is the SY-400 multiple-launch rocket system (MLRS) developed by the 9th Academy of the China Aerospace Science & Technology Corporation (CASC). The SY-400 rocket features four large stabilising fins in the mid-section of the fuselage, four control surfaces installed near the rear end of the fuselage, and four gas-dynamic spoilers installed at the nozzle end of the engine. Unlike all existing MLRS, the SY-400 is launched from a vertical position, and steered to the intended target in the initial flight phase by the four control surfaces and gas-dynamic spoilers. This allows multiple rockets aimed at different targets to be launched in salvo firing and also ensures greater accuracy compared to conventional MLRS. The rocket is equipped with GPS/INS guidance, and fly in inertial in the final stage of its flight. Eight ready-to-launch rockets are stored and launched from box launchers mounted on an 8X8 TEL vehicle. Its manufacturer confirmed that the weapon system was intended for the export market.
Other land warfare systems displayed in the air show include the B-611M tactical ballistic missile system. An earlier variant B-611 has already entered service with the Turkish Army. The WS-1 and WS-2 series MLRS have been promoted to the export market for many years but so far has received no interest from foreign or domestic customers.
Last update: 13 February 2009
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