Y-9LG Chinese Electronic Warfare Aircraft
Y-9LG
Electronic Warfare System
Other
Basic Information
Name
Y-9LG Chinese Electronic Warfare Aircraft
Designation
Y-9LG
Alternate Designation
—
Equipment Type
Electronic Warfare System
Manufacturer
Shaanxi Aircraft Corporation
Date of Introduction
2023
Description
The Y-9LG Chinese Electronic Warfare Aircraft has external antenna configurations that are indicative of a long-range jamming capability. The Y-9LG resembles a special mission platform based on the Shaanxi Y-8/Y-9 aircraft.
Air & Air Defense Specifications
Engine
Turboprop
Cruise Speed
600.0 km/h
Range
5800.0 km
Endurance
12.00 hrs
System
Alternate Designation(s)
Y-9LG
Type
Electronic Warfare Aircraft
Manufacturer
Shaanxi Aircraft Company
Crew
INA
Number of Engines
4 ea
Number of Hard Points
INA
Dimensions
Length
36.065 m
Width (Wing Span)
38 m
Height
INA
Wing Area
121.9 m2
Cabin Length
16.2 m
Cabin Width
3.2 m
Cabin Height
2.4 m
Empty Weight
39,000 kg
Maximum Takeoff Weight
77,000 kg
Overload Takeoff Weight
81,000 kg
Normal Payload
25,000 kg
Maximum Payload
30,000 kg
Automotive
Engine Name
4 x WJ-6C
Engine Type
Turboprop
Engine Power
INA
Maximum Speed
INA
Cruise Speed
600-650 km/h
Ceiling
9,000 m
Maximum Range with Maximum Payload
7,900 km
Operational Range
5,800 km
Endurance
12 hours
Electronic Warfare System
Note
The aircraft's features include a new dorsal electronic support measures/direction-finding (ESM/DF) antenna, which has also been observed in other new PLA EW aircraft such as the Y-9G (GX-11) and the Y-9Z communications countermeasure aircraft. In addition, the Y-9LG's balance beam-type antenna, which is potentially for an active electronically scanned array (AESA), is visually different from the radar antenna on the KJ-200B. This combination of ESM-related antennas and ‘balance beam' radar is indicative of the Y-9LG's role as a long-range airborne early warning (AEW) platform with an EW capability. The aircraft has a circular antenna associated with satellite communications (satcom) on its upper surface and a synthetic aperture radar-ground moving target indication (SAR-GMTI) radar in a ventral position.
The inclusion of an AESA system in the Y-9LG will allow the aircraft's crew to simultaneously jam multiple targets in multiple directions by combining power from the transmit/receive (T/R) modules with the help of electronic beam-steering. This is advantageous compared with legacy radars or jammers that can only jam adversarial systems in the direction the antenna is facing. Legacy radars also require electromechanical systems to rotate the antenna. As a stand-off jammer, the Y-9LG likely has the ability to operate outside the range of adversarial surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems deployed within integrated air defence system (IADS). The aircraft is also likely capable of providing EW protection to friendly aircraft operating within the IADS.
The Y-9LG is expected to possess high effective radiated power (ERP), which is the capability to transmit a large amount of electromagnetic radiation. The aircraft possibly also has a passive mode (no transmission) for ESM/electronic intelligence (ESM/ELINT).
The balance beam radar antenna is installed on the dorsal part of the fuselage and is parallel to it. This antenna array, due to its inherent alignment (and size), is expected to be capable of scanning the forward and rear directions of the aircraft covering a wide band of frequencies.
While the aircraft's specific internal avionics are not known, the large antenna is expected to support wide frequency bands. The large-surface cuboid-shaped antenna is also expected to house power electronics capable of generating high amounts of ERP.
Protection
Stealth Properties
No
Heat Signature Reduction
No
EW Counter Measures
INA
Chaffs/Flares
INA
Details
Country of Origin
China
Category
Air Based Electronic Warfare (EW) Systems
Air > Air Based Electronic Warfare (EW) Systems
Filter Label
Y
Classification
Domain
Air & Air Defense
Equipment Status
Active
Dimensions
Length
36.07 m
Width
38 m
Height
—
Weight
77000 kg
Operators (1)
China
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