Molawchai
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CPMIEC HQ-9 / HHQ-9 / FD-2000 / FT-2000
Self Propelled Air Defence System
HQ-9 TELs on 8 x 8 TAS-5380 chassis with HT-233 engagement radar (© 2009, Bradley Huang).
Introduction
The FD-2000/HQ-9 was developed to provide a long range SAM capability, distinct from the medium range capabilities of the HQ-12/KS-1 series. The FT-2000 is a derivative which is fitted with an anti-radiation seeker and intended for engagements against AEW&C/AWACS and stand-off jamming aircraft.
The PLA have not been overly generous in disclosing details of this design. There is general agreement in open sources that the HQ-9 uses Russian S-300PMU technology extensively, including the cold launch design for vertical ejection from launcher tubes on TELs, 5V55/48N6 rocket motor technology, and a range of other S-300PMU components, including an 8 x 8 four tube TEL modelled on the 5P85SU/DU series. Some sources claim the weapon uses a two stage arrangement akin to the S-300V, but more recent imagery shows this is not correct. Slant range performance figures also vary across sources, between 50 and 100 nautical miles. What data is available suggests a missile which is similar in capability to early variants of the MIM-104 Patriot and SA-10C/SA-20A 48N6E, including Track via Missile (TVM) guidance.
The HQ-9 is supported by the HT-233 phased array engagement radar, like the H-200 modelled on the MPQ-53 and 30N6E designs, carried on a Taian TAS5501 series 10 x 10 high mobility vehicle, common to the HQ-9 TEL and similar in design to the S-400's BAZ-6900 series vehicle. Chinese sources claim C-band operation with 300 MHz receiver/antenna bandwidth, detection and tracking range of 150/100 km, and monopulse angle tracking to resist jamming. The design bears considerable similarity to the 30N6E series, especially in the antenna design.
Recently disclosed imagery shows the use of the self-propelled Type 305A, Type 305B and Type 120 radars as the battery acquisition radar component. The designation FD-2000 is for export configurations of the HQ-9.
Recent reports claim the missile combines midcourse inertial / datalink and terminal active radar homing guidance [refer below].
Cited battery composition is one variant of the YLC-2V acquisition radar, one HT-233 engagement radar, 8 x Taian TAS-5380 TELs, with 32 ready rounds, one vehicle for battery positioning, one generator vehicle, one support vehicle and a mobile command post. A HQ-9 brigade level formation comprises six batteries.
Recently the PLA disclosed the existence of two additional radars associated with the HQ-9 system. These are the Type 305A, modelled on the Thales GM400 AESA, and the Type 120 low altitude acquisition radar, which is similar in configuration to the earlier JY-29, JY-11B and YLC-18, but operating at a lower frequency to the latter. These radars perform analogous functions to the 64N6E Big Bird and 76N6 Clam Shell in the SA-20 battery, respectively.
The HHQ-9 is the navalised variant of the HQ-9, launched from a VLS system, on the Type 052C Luyang II class DDG.
According the US DoD, the FT-2000 has yet to be deployed, as is the case with the follow-on HQ-9 variants. Open sources describe the FT2000 as an inertially guided SAM with an anti-radiation terminal seeker, programmed before launch for the characteristics of the intended target. Cited frequency coverage is 2-18 GHz. Each battery includes four ESM vehicles, used to generate targeting data for the missile battery. Intended targets including support jamming aircraft, aircraft equipped with self-protection jammers, and other radiating airborne targets, e.g. AWACS/AEW&C. The type of passive targeting system has not been disclosed, but variants of the CETC YLC-20 present as the most likely candidate.
Given that the FT-2000 is derived from the HQ-9, claims that this weapon has not been deployed should be treated with caution, since the missile and its guidance support package could have been integrated into the baseline HQ-9 system design, and other than by covert intelligence gathering or PLA disclosure, this cannot be easily determined by simple observation. It is entirely conceivable that a HQ-9 battery could be armed with a mix of HQ-9 /FD-2000 and FT-2000 rounds, and this could only be determined in combat once missiles are actually launched and enter their terminal guidance phase.
Technical Analysis
The HQ-9 family of missiles are clearly derived from the Russian S-300PMU / SA-10C Grumble and S-300PMU1 / SA-20A Gargoyle family of SAMs, but with numerous unique design changes. Cited kinematic performance typically falls in between the SA-10C and SA-20A, making the HQ-9 systems credible equivalents to various MIM-104 Patriot variants.
Like its Russian ancestors, the HQ-9 is designed from the outset for hide, shoot and scoot operations, with high mobility vehicles employed for all critical battery components.
In operational planning terms, the HQ-9 should be treated as equivalent to early model SA-20 variants, with the caveat that the different acquisition radar package will impose unique planning requirements, especially in terms of EWSP and SOJ requirements. The possibility of FT-2000 antiradiation rounds being mixed into HQ-9/FD-2000 TEL payloads presents a series of operational risks all of its own.
The high mobility of the HQ-9 family of weapons will present similar SEAD/DEAD challenges as seen with late model SA-10, SA-20 and SA-21 variants, especially if a disciplined hide, shoot and scoot doctrine is followed by HQ-9 users.
Chinese sources claim that the HQ-9 family of systems employ much newer computing technology than imported Russian S-300PMU/PMU1/PMU2 systems. This suggests a equal or superior computing capability for signal processing, data processing and guidance support.
The HQ-9 family of systems should not be underestimated - they will be credible equivalents to the SA-20 family of systems.
HHQ-9 launch at motor ignition (via Chinese Internet).
The basic airframe configuration and internal layout of the HQ-9/HHQ-9/FD-2000 round appear identical to the Russian Almaz-Antey/Fakel 5V55/48N6 family of SAMs. The only notable difference is the redesign of the TVC vanes, which are situated aft of the nozzle in the Chinese missile.
The FT-2000 airframe appears to be a direct derivative of the HQ-9/HHQ-9/FD-2000 design, but with additional cruciform strakes, likely intended to improve endgame turning performance, and possibly improve post-burnout glide range. Chinese marketing material indicates the airframe is one metre shorter than the Russian 5V55/48N6.
No details have been disclosed on the seeker employed. Given the design heritage of the missile, the baseline seeker is likely to be a direct derivative of earlier variants of the 48N6E/E1 seeker, employing TVM (SAGG) guidance, and midcourse datalink corrected inertial guidance.
Claims have also emerged of an active radar seeker, but these should be treated with caution as Chinese industry has little experience with such, licencing the Russian Agat 9B-1103M design for the PL-12 AAM. However, in the long term it is likely that an active seeker will find its way into the missile, as this is a strong trend in contemporary long range SAM design.
There are also claims of an alternate HQ-9B configuration, employing a dual mode semi-active radar homing and scanning infrared seeker. The latter would not present unusual difficulties as China has designed a range of IR seekers for AAMs.
The seeker for the FT-2000 variant is described as a wideband design, covering 2 - 18 GHz. To date only one very poor quality image has emerged, suggesting an unusual planar array design antenna.
The promixity fuse and warhead design have not been disclosed. They are likely to be based upon the 5V55/48N6 series.
Cited kinematic performance suggests the solid propellant motor is based on early 48N6 technology.
The FD-2000/HQ-9 round resembles the Soviet 5V55 series, with the exception of prominent external TVC vanes (via Chinese Internet).
Cutaway of the FT-2000 round from brochure material. Note the additional cruciform strake absent in the 5V55/48N6 family of missile airframes, and the baseline HQ-9 (via R.D. Fisher).
Self Propelled Air Defence System
HQ-9 TELs on 8 x 8 TAS-5380 chassis with HT-233 engagement radar (© 2009, Bradley Huang).
Introduction
The FD-2000/HQ-9 was developed to provide a long range SAM capability, distinct from the medium range capabilities of the HQ-12/KS-1 series. The FT-2000 is a derivative which is fitted with an anti-radiation seeker and intended for engagements against AEW&C/AWACS and stand-off jamming aircraft.
The PLA have not been overly generous in disclosing details of this design. There is general agreement in open sources that the HQ-9 uses Russian S-300PMU technology extensively, including the cold launch design for vertical ejection from launcher tubes on TELs, 5V55/48N6 rocket motor technology, and a range of other S-300PMU components, including an 8 x 8 four tube TEL modelled on the 5P85SU/DU series. Some sources claim the weapon uses a two stage arrangement akin to the S-300V, but more recent imagery shows this is not correct. Slant range performance figures also vary across sources, between 50 and 100 nautical miles. What data is available suggests a missile which is similar in capability to early variants of the MIM-104 Patriot and SA-10C/SA-20A 48N6E, including Track via Missile (TVM) guidance.
The HQ-9 is supported by the HT-233 phased array engagement radar, like the H-200 modelled on the MPQ-53 and 30N6E designs, carried on a Taian TAS5501 series 10 x 10 high mobility vehicle, common to the HQ-9 TEL and similar in design to the S-400's BAZ-6900 series vehicle. Chinese sources claim C-band operation with 300 MHz receiver/antenna bandwidth, detection and tracking range of 150/100 km, and monopulse angle tracking to resist jamming. The design bears considerable similarity to the 30N6E series, especially in the antenna design.
Recently disclosed imagery shows the use of the self-propelled Type 305A, Type 305B and Type 120 radars as the battery acquisition radar component. The designation FD-2000 is for export configurations of the HQ-9.
Recent reports claim the missile combines midcourse inertial / datalink and terminal active radar homing guidance [refer below].
Cited battery composition is one variant of the YLC-2V acquisition radar, one HT-233 engagement radar, 8 x Taian TAS-5380 TELs, with 32 ready rounds, one vehicle for battery positioning, one generator vehicle, one support vehicle and a mobile command post. A HQ-9 brigade level formation comprises six batteries.
Recently the PLA disclosed the existence of two additional radars associated with the HQ-9 system. These are the Type 305A, modelled on the Thales GM400 AESA, and the Type 120 low altitude acquisition radar, which is similar in configuration to the earlier JY-29, JY-11B and YLC-18, but operating at a lower frequency to the latter. These radars perform analogous functions to the 64N6E Big Bird and 76N6 Clam Shell in the SA-20 battery, respectively.
The HHQ-9 is the navalised variant of the HQ-9, launched from a VLS system, on the Type 052C Luyang II class DDG.
According the US DoD, the FT-2000 has yet to be deployed, as is the case with the follow-on HQ-9 variants. Open sources describe the FT2000 as an inertially guided SAM with an anti-radiation terminal seeker, programmed before launch for the characteristics of the intended target. Cited frequency coverage is 2-18 GHz. Each battery includes four ESM vehicles, used to generate targeting data for the missile battery. Intended targets including support jamming aircraft, aircraft equipped with self-protection jammers, and other radiating airborne targets, e.g. AWACS/AEW&C. The type of passive targeting system has not been disclosed, but variants of the CETC YLC-20 present as the most likely candidate.
Given that the FT-2000 is derived from the HQ-9, claims that this weapon has not been deployed should be treated with caution, since the missile and its guidance support package could have been integrated into the baseline HQ-9 system design, and other than by covert intelligence gathering or PLA disclosure, this cannot be easily determined by simple observation. It is entirely conceivable that a HQ-9 battery could be armed with a mix of HQ-9 /FD-2000 and FT-2000 rounds, and this could only be determined in combat once missiles are actually launched and enter their terminal guidance phase.
Technical Analysis
The HQ-9 family of missiles are clearly derived from the Russian S-300PMU / SA-10C Grumble and S-300PMU1 / SA-20A Gargoyle family of SAMs, but with numerous unique design changes. Cited kinematic performance typically falls in between the SA-10C and SA-20A, making the HQ-9 systems credible equivalents to various MIM-104 Patriot variants.
Like its Russian ancestors, the HQ-9 is designed from the outset for hide, shoot and scoot operations, with high mobility vehicles employed for all critical battery components.
In operational planning terms, the HQ-9 should be treated as equivalent to early model SA-20 variants, with the caveat that the different acquisition radar package will impose unique planning requirements, especially in terms of EWSP and SOJ requirements. The possibility of FT-2000 antiradiation rounds being mixed into HQ-9/FD-2000 TEL payloads presents a series of operational risks all of its own.
The high mobility of the HQ-9 family of weapons will present similar SEAD/DEAD challenges as seen with late model SA-10, SA-20 and SA-21 variants, especially if a disciplined hide, shoot and scoot doctrine is followed by HQ-9 users.
Chinese sources claim that the HQ-9 family of systems employ much newer computing technology than imported Russian S-300PMU/PMU1/PMU2 systems. This suggests a equal or superior computing capability for signal processing, data processing and guidance support.
The HQ-9 family of systems should not be underestimated - they will be credible equivalents to the SA-20 family of systems.
HHQ-9 launch at motor ignition (via Chinese Internet).
The basic airframe configuration and internal layout of the HQ-9/HHQ-9/FD-2000 round appear identical to the Russian Almaz-Antey/Fakel 5V55/48N6 family of SAMs. The only notable difference is the redesign of the TVC vanes, which are situated aft of the nozzle in the Chinese missile.
The FT-2000 airframe appears to be a direct derivative of the HQ-9/HHQ-9/FD-2000 design, but with additional cruciform strakes, likely intended to improve endgame turning performance, and possibly improve post-burnout glide range. Chinese marketing material indicates the airframe is one metre shorter than the Russian 5V55/48N6.
No details have been disclosed on the seeker employed. Given the design heritage of the missile, the baseline seeker is likely to be a direct derivative of earlier variants of the 48N6E/E1 seeker, employing TVM (SAGG) guidance, and midcourse datalink corrected inertial guidance.
Claims have also emerged of an active radar seeker, but these should be treated with caution as Chinese industry has little experience with such, licencing the Russian Agat 9B-1103M design for the PL-12 AAM. However, in the long term it is likely that an active seeker will find its way into the missile, as this is a strong trend in contemporary long range SAM design.
There are also claims of an alternate HQ-9B configuration, employing a dual mode semi-active radar homing and scanning infrared seeker. The latter would not present unusual difficulties as China has designed a range of IR seekers for AAMs.
The seeker for the FT-2000 variant is described as a wideband design, covering 2 - 18 GHz. To date only one very poor quality image has emerged, suggesting an unusual planar array design antenna.
The promixity fuse and warhead design have not been disclosed. They are likely to be based upon the 5V55/48N6 series.
Cited kinematic performance suggests the solid propellant motor is based on early 48N6 technology.
The FD-2000/HQ-9 round resembles the Soviet 5V55 series, with the exception of prominent external TVC vanes (via Chinese Internet).
Cutaway of the FT-2000 round from brochure material. Note the additional cruciform strake absent in the 5V55/48N6 family of missile airframes, and the baseline HQ-9 (via R.D. Fisher).
