Shaanxi KJ-500

KJ-500 (Chinese: 空警-500; pinyin: Kōngjǐng Wǔbǎi; literally: "Air Warning 500") is a third-generation airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft used by the Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force. It was developed by Shaanxi Aircraft Corporation. , and is based on the Y-9 airframe.

Development
Since the beginning of the 21st century, the detection range and the accuracy of airborne radars has been increasing, the fighters equipped with various types of air-to-air missiles and low-altitude cruise missiles have posed a big threat to China's national security and complicated the battlefield environment. To address the above issues, China started the development of KJ-500, its third-generation AEW&C, in the late 2000s. KJ-500 was required to have three important features, which are good detection capability, good identification ability, and quick responsiveness. KJ-500 was also required to the core force of the informatized combat system, its equipped technology has four major characteristics which are networking, multi-functionalization, high-integration and light weight. It seems that a handful of KJ-200 have become redundant after the commissioning of the more advanced KJ-500.

Operators

 * People's Republic of China
 * People's Liberation Army Air Force
 * People's Liberation Army Naval Air Force (planned)

Specifications
Limited performance parameters of KJ-500 have been published as follows:
 * Max speed (km/hr): 550
 * Max range (km): 5700
 * Max endurance (hr): 12
 * Max takeoff weight(tons): 77
 * Range against fighter sized targets (km): 470