Recent images have surfaced of a Changhe Z-8 with what appears to be a external radar array. This variant may possibly be the long-rumored Z-8 Airborne Early Warning variant for use in the PLAN's expected first carrier air wing. The radar appears to be a "bar" array, seen in these images in the stowed position. The array would presumably be lowered during operation to allow 360 degree coverage much like the French "Horizon" AEW system mounted on the Aerospatiale Super Puma Mark 2. An alternate possibility is that the radar is the battlefield SAR-type for use by the PLA. Either way, this is a major development and seems to likely preclude the purchase of Ka-31 AEW helos by China.
2 comments:
Not related to this specific new which is a Major one of course, I must tell you my humble opinion, I've been following your blog for almost a year (or a bit less) , it is the only continuously updated and credible English blog about Chinese Military. bravo and thanks
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