China has revealed its new light active phased array radar meant for FC-1 Xiaolong fighter jet
The China Central Television (CCTV) footage recently broadcasted introduced new radars developed by Research Institute of China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETGC).
Although CCTV did not disclose the model of the radar, according to the information previously disclosed at the Zhuhai Air Show, this type of airborne radar should be KLJ-7A active phased array fire control radar with a detection range of about 170 kilometers. It is based on KLJ-7 model with active phased array technology, China Mil reported Wednesday.
An anonymous military expert said that with the active phased array technology, the detection range of FC-1 Xiaolong has reached or even exceeded that of the J-11B heavy fighter jet which uses flat-panel crack antenna pulse doppler radar.
KLJ-7A active phased array fire control radar
The Nanjing Research Institute of Electronics Technology (NRIET) KLJ-7A light active phased array radar is being used to improve the FC-1 Xiaolong fighter jet.
The new radar has similar performance with F-35 strike fighter's radar. FC-1 Xiaolong fighter jet with the new radar may have a certain extent of advantage at mid-range confrontation with the F-16C / D fighting falcon (not equipped with active phased array radar) and even the basic F-15C / D heavy eagle fighter.
The latest models of Chinese fighter jets such as J-20, J-16, J-10 and J-11 series have used the active phased array radar.