Chinese KJ-600 AEW may have performed maiden flight
The KJ-600, a carrier-borne airborne early warning (AEW) aircraft destined for the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), may have performed its maiden flight on 29 August.
The project is shrouded in secrecy, but grainy long-range photos doing the rounds on the Chinese internet suggest that the aircraft has flown for the first time. Prior to that, satellite imagery from August showed the aircraft at Xi'an Yanliang Airport, where the Xi’an Aircraft Corporation (XAC) and China Flight Test Establishment are based.
Chinese media added little clarity on the event, with various publications merely saying the KJ-600 successfully achieved its maiden flight
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
How uncrewed rotary platforms are shaping approaches to contested logistics
Defence industry primes are working on an array of different platforms to meet the growing need for rotary uncrewed aerial vehicles to carry out future logistics missions.
-
Eastern European helicopter modernisation could open doors for Western manufacturers
With some Eastern European countries already upgrading their helicopter fleets to incorporate Western technology, the region presents potential future opportunities for defence companies.
-
UK E-7 Wedgetail delay down to a “technology issue”, as MoD grapples with slipping timelines
The first of three E-7 Wedgetail aircraft, originally ordered in 2019, is now expected to be delivered to the RAF this year after multiple “difficulties”.
-
Forecast $21.9 billion light attack and trainer opportunities up for grabs as Leonardo lines up M-346
The M-346 stands as a potential contender for various countries facing impending capability gaps due to ageing trainer aircraft, while it could also be selected as a cost-effective light fighter aircraft.
-
US Air Force seeks capabilities to improve C3 for aircraft fleet and warfighters
The USAF published RFIs for enhancing its C3 capabilities after losing, in Operation Epic Fury, four aircraft in non-confrontational, unclear situations that could have been related to command, control and communication failures.
-
European CCA programmes see progress as industry narrows in on key flight milestones
European defence firms including Airbus, Helsing, General Atomics and Anduril are accelerating development and testing of collaborative combat aircraft to meet Germany’s loyal wingman requirement, targeting operational deployment by the end of the decade.