Shaanxi KJ-500
Shaanxi Aircraft Corporation · China · first flew 2013 · transport aircraft
The KJ-500 is China's primary medium-sized airborne early warning and control aircraft, based on the Shaanxi Y-9 turboprop transport and fitted with an active electronically scanned array radar.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 4 × turboprop, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Chinese AEW&C aircraft with large disc radome above fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Chinese AEW&C aircraft with large disc radome above fuselage
- Four-turboprop high-wing platform based on Y-9 transport
- PLAAF airborne early warning platform with rotating radar dome
Four-turboprop high-wing transport with a prominent disc-shaped rotodome mounted above the rear fuselage — visually similar to Western AEW types but with a distinctive AESA radar fairings.
Specifications
- The Shaanxi KJ-500 has a length of 34.1 m (112 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 38 m (125 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 650 km/h (404 mph).
- Typical crew: 10-15.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Development began in the 2000s as a more capable successor to the KJ-200, with the KJ-500 first flying around 2013 and entering PLAAF service around 2015. It features a fixed triangular AESA radar array enclosed in a large rotodome rather than a mechanically rotating dish.
Variants
Naval variants operate from land bases for maritime patrol; export interest has been expressed but no confirmed foreign sales as of the mid-2020s.
Where you'll see it
Operated by the People's Liberation Army Air Force and Navy in substantial numbers, fulfilling airborne battle management and early warning roles across the Indo-Pacific region.
Related aircraft
AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 5,024 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.