Zhuhai Air Show 2018

by78

General
There are now at least two variants of the KLJ-7A AESA radar. As seen before, the latest variant comes with side arrays:
45741818112_28eb08780e_o.jpg

30851850817_130e87b75a_o.jpg

31920444308_4c43b2d24a_o.jpg


This (earlier?) version doesn't have side arrays, and the shape of the main array is slightly different:
45741817782_40447a1d5c_o.jpg

30851850487_2e34dba0d8_o.jpg
 

kyuryu

Junior Member
That would explain the difference in weight between the older system and the newer version with side-mounted arrays...

There are now at least two variants of the KLJ-7A AESA radar. As seen before, the latest variant comes with side arrays:
45741818112_28eb08780e_o.jpg

30851850817_130e87b75a_o.jpg

31920444308_4c43b2d24a_o.jpg


This (earlier?) version doesn't have side arrays, and the shape of the main array is slightly different:
45741817782_40447a1d5c_o.jpg

30851850487_2e34dba0d8_o.jpg
h
 

Blitzo

Lieutenant General
Staff member
Super Moderator
Registered Member
There are now at least two variants of the KLJ-7A AESA radar. As seen before, the latest variant comes with side arrays:
45741818112_28eb08780e_o.jpg

30851850817_130e87b75a_o.jpg

31920444308_4c43b2d24a_o.jpg


This (earlier?) version doesn't have side arrays, and the shape of the main array is slightly different:
45741817782_40447a1d5c_o.jpg

30851850487_2e34dba0d8_o.jpg


great pictures.

I don't think the single main array variant is an earlier type actually -- if we look at Zhuhai 2016 pics of the KLJ-7A model we can see that they aren't the same and the current one is refined a little.

More importantly, we can see both in the picture and in the placard (zoom in we can see mechanical+electrical scanning) that this variant of KLJ-7A is mounted on a mechanically steered platform, which will allow it to have a greater FOV compared to fixed AESAs. Similar to CAPTOR-E and Vixen 1000E.


Also note that the three array variant of KLJ-7A, how the main array seems to be mounted on a nose bulkhead that has the vaguely diamond shape of an aircraft with chines -- i.e.: a stealth aircraft. I wonder if the three array variant of KLJ-7A may have been designed with a stealth fighter in mind.
 

by78

General
great pictures.

I don't think the single main array variant is an earlier type actually -- if we look at Zhuhai 2016 pics of the KLJ-7A model we can see that they aren't the same and the current one is refined a little.

More importantly, we can see both in the picture and in the placard (zoom in we can see mechanical+electrical scanning) that this variant of KLJ-7A is mounted on a mechanically steered platform, which will allow it to have a greater FOV compared to fixed AESAs. Similar to CAPTOR-E and Vixen 1000E.


Also note that the three array variant of KLJ-7A, how the main array seems to be mounted on a nose bulkhead that has the vaguely diamond shape of an aircraft with chines -- i.e.: a stealth aircraft. I wonder if the three array variant of KLJ-7A may have been designed with a stealth fighter in mind.

Great catch. I remember when KLJ-7A was first shown, the antenna cover was mostly circular, but with left and right sides slightly 'filed off'. It was mounted on a fixed vertical bulkhead, as opposed to a canted swivel plate. That's why I said there are now at least two variants, since I wasn't sure if the original was a final design or merely a demonstration unit.

As for the side-array variant, it certainly looks like it's been designed with a stealth fighter in mind. Since it's likely not intended for the F-35 or the Su-57, I can only imagine it's for the FC-31/J-31.
 

SinoSoldier

Colonel
Great catch. I remember when KLJ-7A was first shown, the antenna cover was mostly circular, but with left and right sides slightly 'filed off'. It was mounted on a fixed vertical bulkhead, as opposed to a canted swivel plate. That's why I said there are now at least two variants, since I wasn't sure if the original was a final design or merely a demonstration unit.

As for the side-array variant, it certainly looks like it's been designed with a stealth fighter in mind. Since it's likely not intended for the F-35 or the Su-57, I can only imagine it's for the FC-31/J-31.

JF-17 Block III seems to be a likely candidate platform for these radar variants.
 

lllchairmanlll

Junior Member
Registered Member
Yep, check out the high G hard right to high G hard left transition at about 5:05, that looks painful, just a quick flick, 90 degree right roll to 90 degree left roll, 180 degrees of roll in less than a second, somebody check me out on this, but that is a very quick roll....
check out 4:30 that turn after the climb was impressive! I can not wait to see what a TVC engine equipped J20 can do in future airshow LOL
 

kwaigonegin

Colonel
Yep, check out the high G hard right to high G hard left transition at about 5:05, that looks painful, just a quick flick, 90 degree right roll to 90 degree left roll, 180 degrees of roll in less than a second, somebody check me out on this, but that is a very quick roll....
yes, that's quite the transition. I will definitely need barf bag if I was inside.
 
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