AKF-98 (Chinese: AKF-98防区外巡航导弹; pinyin: Jiǔbā Fángqū wài xúnháng dǎodàn; lit. 'Standoff cruise missile') is a stand-off land-attack cruise missile of Chinese origin. It was debuted at Airshow China 2022.
| AKF-98 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Air-launched cruise missile |
| Place of origin | People's Republic of China |
| Service history | |
| Used by | People's Liberation Army |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | Approx. 1,000 kg (2,200 lb) |
| Length | Approx. 4 m (13 ft) |
| Width | 750 mm (30 in) |
| Height | 490 mm (19 in) |
| Warhead | Approx. 500 kg (1,100 lb) |
| Engine | jet engine |
| Propellant | liquid fuel |
Operational range | 500–1,000 km (270–540 nmi) |
Guidance system | GNSS, INS, IIR, TERPROM |
Launch platform |
|
Development
editThe AKF-98A was displayed at Zhuhai Airshow in 2022.[1] It's a jet-powered stand-off cruise missile carried by fighter aircraft in a similar class to AGM-158 JASSM or Storm Shadow/SCALP-EG. The missile has a stealth enclosure that reduces radar-cross sections.[2][3][4] The low observable design features a diamond-shaped nose section and trapezoid body, and a tail section containing two horizontal tailfins and two downward vertical tailfins. The nose contains a terminal seeker that possibly includes imaging infrared (IIR), satellite navigation (GNSS), inertial guidance computers (INS), and a radio altimeter for terrain following.[5][6]
Two variants of AKF-98A were identified, carried separately by an Xi'an JH-7A2 and a Shenyang J-16. Two missiles feature different body sections, which might carry different types of warheads,[5] such as unitary warheads or submunition dispensers.[7] One variant was also identified with foldable fins, indicating intentions for internal carriage.[8] The bottom of the missile is reportedly where the recessed ventral intake locate.[5][6]
According to Janes Information Services, Ta Kung Pao, and International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), the missile is speculated to have a weight around 1,000 kg (2,200 lb), a length of 4 m (13 ft), a height of 490 mm (19 in), a width of 750 mm (30 in), a range of 500–1,000 km (270–540 nmi), and a warhead payload of 500 kg (1,100 lb).[5][8][9]
Variants
edit- AKF-98A
- Two variants of the AKF-98A with different missile body and tail design have been identified.[5][8][6]
- CM-98
- Export variant.[citation needed]
Operators
edit
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Chen, Chuanren (9 November 2022). "China Air Launch Munitions Spark Interest". aAviation Week.
- ^ Barrie, Douglas (25 November 2022). "Chinas air show but dont tell weapons development". International Institute for Strategic Studies.
- ^ Yeo, Mike (10 November 2022). "China displays air-launched hypersonic missile at air show near Taiwan". C4ISRnet.
- ^ "Fighting the Air Base: Ensuring Decisive Combat Sortie Generation Under Enemy Fire" (PDF). Mitchell Institute For Aerospace Studies. July 2024. p. 6.
- ^ a b c d e "Update – Airshow China 2022: New airborne stand-off weapons unveiled". Janes. 18 November 2022.
- ^ a b c "全网神秘、首次亮相的空军AKF98A，是不是防区外隐身巡航导弹？". Sohu News. 5 November 2022.
- ^ Barrie, Douglas (21 February 2023). "China's air force modernisation: gaining pace". International Institute for Strategic Studies.
- ^ a b c Barrie, Douglas (25 November 2022). "Chinas air show but dont tell weapons development". International Institute for Strategic Studies.
- ^ 馬浩亮 (28 May 2024). "外界猜測AKF98A資料" (PDF). Ta Kung Pao.