Xi'an KJ-600
Xi'an Aircraft Industrial Corporation · People's Republic of China · first flew 2020 · transport aircraft
The Xi'an KJ-600 is China's first carrier-based airborne early warning and control aircraft, designed for operation from the Type 003 carrier and providing long-range surveillance and battle management analogous to the American E-2 Hawkeye.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turboprop, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Carrier-based AEW&C aircraft with a rotating radome above the fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Carrier-based AEW&C aircraft with a rotating radome above the fuselage
- Folding high-mounted wings for carrier storage; CATOBAR capable
- Quad vertical tail fins flanking the horizontal stabiliser
A high-wing turboprop with a large disc-shaped rotating radome mounted above the fuselage, folding wings, and a distinctive four-fin tail arrangement; overall impression similar to the E-2 Hawkeye but with different engine nacelle and fin geometry.
Specifications
- The Xi'an KJ-600 has a length of 18.4 m (60 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 24.4 m (80 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 693 km/h (431 mph).
- Typical crew: 4.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown on 29 August 2020, the KJ-600 demonstrated China's capability to develop a complex, mission-critical carrier aircraft indigenously. It uses a rotating AESA radar rotodome and foldable wings to fit within carrier hangar constraints, and is expected to operate from CATOBAR-equipped carriers fitted with electromagnetic catapults.
Variants
Only the baseline KJ-600 has been publicly identified; a navalised development designation or upgraded variant may follow as the type matures.
Where you'll see it
Development and trials ongoing with the People's Liberation Army Navy; not yet in confirmed fleet service.
Related aircraft
- Xian Y-20
- Xian MA60
- Xi'an JH-7
- Xian Y-7
- Airbus CC-330 Husky
- Beta Alia 250c
- Cessna 408 SkyCourier
- Boeing MQ-25 Stingray
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