Harbin SH-5
Harbin Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation · China · first flew 1976 · transport aircraft
The Harbin SH-5 (Shuihong-5) is China's sole large flying boat, a four-turboprop maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare aircraft developed for the People's Liberation Army Naval Air Force. It is one of the largest flying boats in current service.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 4 × turboprop, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 38.9 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- China's only purpose-built maritime patrol flying boat
- Four turboprop engines on a high gull-wing
- Large boat hull with retractable wing-tip floats
Very large boat hull, high cranked wing with four turboprops, retractable stabilising floats at the wingtips, and a conventional tail. Its size and China's flag markings are immediate identifiers.
Specifications
- The Harbin SH-5 has a length of 38.9 m (128 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 36 m (118 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 555 km/h (345 mph).
- Typical crew: 8-9.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Development began in the 1970s and the SH-5 first flew in April 1976, though it did not enter service until 1986 due to prolonged testing and Chinese industrial challenges. A small number were built, with the type seeing service in the maritime patrol and search-and-rescue roles. A later firefighting development, the AG600 Kunlong, is a successor design.
Variants
The main production maritime patrol variant; a firefighting variant was evaluated. The AG600 is a distinct next-generation successor by AVIC.
Where you'll see it
Operated by the PLA Naval Air Force in small numbers for maritime patrol and search-and-rescue missions over the South China Sea and Yellow Sea.
Related aircraft
- Harbin Y-11
- Harbin H-5
- Harbin Z-20
- An-32 (Cline)
- Beechcraft C-12D Huron
- Beechcraft T-44A Pegasus
- Lockheed JetStar II
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