I'm translating some info from a series of forum posts by a well-respected poster (fr6, who works in the airborne electronics industry) on the most reliable of Chinese aerospace forums (9ifly). He posted these bits and pieces of information early this year. All of them were supposed to be unclassified materials available in publicly circulated academic journals.
1) ZDK-03 began its life in early 2000s as Project 021. It's one of many AWACS development programs China undertook after the failed PHACLON deal with Israel. Unlike the KJ-2000 project which depends on the development of a new Chinese AESA radar, Project 021 took the safer route, aimed at perfecting mature technology existing in China. It was designed to satisfy PLA's combat needs in any contingency over Taiwan. A prototype was produced, which was the white plane whose photos we saw on the internet.
2) After the success of KJ-2000, Project 021 saw continued development as an potential export model. Although employing older technologies It's a full-fledged AWACS rather than AEWs Western countries are exporting.
For a period of time, Project 021 was nicknamed 'Persian Eye' by engineers working on it, which is of course quite telling.
The 021 prototype was flied to Pakistan almost ten times during 2006. ZDK-03, the version sold to Pakistan, is an extensive redevelopment of the original Project 021 with newer designs and technologies.
3) Radar hasn't seen much change from the original one on Project 021 as developing a brand new radar takes a long time. The radar design in question is referred to as a 'Chinese version' of a well-known American radar. It uses both mechanical scanning (for horizontal) and electronic scanning (for vertical). The poster claimed it has both pros and cons comparing to the radar onboard of 'one certain Nordic AEW', and may in fact be preferable for AWACS use.
4) Communication system. In order to make sure ZDK-03 can talk to both Western and Chinese planes in PAF, the communication systems on ZDK-03 uses a number of off the shelf Western components integrated by Chinese engineers with Chinese frontends and software.
5) A comprehensive ECM system was designed but it's unclear whether it made into the final version.
6) Command and control system. The poster won't say much for understandable reasons, but did mention enclosure and support for onboard computer systems make extensive use of carbon fibers developed for a ongoing helicopter project to reduce weight.
7) Platform. Uses WJ6C turboprop engines and JL-4 composite propellers. The poster claimed the platform has better endurance than the 'one certain Nordic AEW' sold to Pakistan and flies at a higher altitude as well.
That's pretty what I can gather from that thread. As my background is in a rather different field I'm not sure if I've got everything translated correctly. I think the source is a very credible one as he posted these information early this year and everything he said matches the recently revealed photo of ZDK-03.
Because I have an option for two only,,,,,,,,,,,
