China has been spotted testing a new early warning and control aircraft, reportedly the KJ-3000, based on the Y-20 platform.

According to Chinese news outlets, the development will enhance the People's Liberation Army's (PLA) surveillance and operational range, particularly across the South China Sea and the Western Pacific.

Experts believe its radar technology marks a major advancement over China’s current early warning aircraft, including the KJ-500 and KJ-2000.

The aircraft’s debut follows the recent appearance of what are believed to be China’s first sixth-generation fighter jets, marking significant advancements in the country’s military capabilities.

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Enhanced surveillance

Early warning aircraft are mainly used for surveillance and detection but can also function as airborne command centers.

Four Shenyang WS-20 high-bypass turbofans are said to power the new aircraft, providing more efficiency than the outdated Soloviev D-30KP-2 engines found in previous generations such as the Y-20. These engines also power the Y-20B transport aircraft, indicating a shift toward enhanced performance and reliability.

According to FlightGlobal, a prominent feature is the thick line across the underside of the overhead-mounted radome, suggesting the presence of two active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars. These radars likely rotate to provide full coverage.

Speculation also points to the aircraft’s fuselage housing side-mounted AESA radars, similar to those on the KJ-700, an advanced airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) platform derived from the Shaanxi Y-9 and fielded in limited numbers by the PLA Air Force.

Once operational, the KJ-3000 will become the PLA Air Force's second jet-powered AEW&C platform, following the KJ-2000. The KJ-2000, based on the Ilyushin Il-76, features a non-rotating, three-sided AESA array and is currently the PLAAF’s most capable AEW&C system, although only four units are operational, reports FlightGlobal.

The KJ-3000 is anticipated to eventually replace the limited KJ-2000 fleet, addressing capability gaps with improved technology and increased availability to support the PLA Air Force’s expanding operational needs.

Strategic upgrade

The KJ-3000 is believed to feature an advanced air-to-air refueling probe, which would extend its operational range compared to the KJ-2000.

According to the media site, the WS-20 engines are also said to have superior electrical generation capabilities compared to the Russian-made D-30KP-2 engines of the KJ-2000. These engines are essential for supplying power to the aircraft's sophisticated sensors and processing systems, which are necessary for AEW&C operations.

As it controls a broad range of Chinese capabilities, the KJ-3000 is anticipated to identify difficult targets in possible combat situations, such as stealth aircraft and unmanned systems.

Also, compared to turboprop platforms with limited operating ceilings like the KJ-500, the KJ-3000's capacity to operate at greater altitudes may offer a substantial benefit. A safer distance from enemy fighters and increased radar coverage would be made possible by this height advantage.

According to FlightGlobal, while details on the KJ-3000 remain unclear, with the aircraft still in flight testing, its air-to-air refueling capability and potential as a more advanced AEW&C platform are seen as key factors that could attract attention from the Pentagon.

The Chinese military’s growing expertise with Y-20 platforms, WS-20 engines, and AESA radar technology suggests the KJ-3000 will enter PLAAF service in the coming years, with imagery from social media marking its progress.

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