China KJ-500 Aircraft

Defense Systems Full Specifications

China KJ-500 Airborne Early Warning Aircraft

The China KJ-500 is an airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft designed to extend radar coverage and coordinate air operations beyond the reach of ground-based sensors. Operated by the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) and associated Chinese military aviation units, it supports aerial surveillance, target tracking, and command and control across large operational areas.

The aircraft uses a fixed, circular radar array mounted above the fuselage, allowing it to monitor airspace from multiple directions without relying on a conventional rotating radar antenna. Its sensors and communications systems help commanders build a wider operational picture, coordinate fighter aircraft, and improve responses to potential aerial threats.

Manufacturer

The KJ-500 was developed by China’s aviation industry, with the Xi’an Aircraft Industrial Corporation, part of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), associated with its airframe production. The aircraft is based on the Y-9 transport platform, adapted for specialized surveillance, mission systems, and command functions.

Its radar, onboard computing, and communications equipment support information sharing between airborne platforms and other military assets. Publicly available information does not fully disclose the radar’s detailed specifications or electronic warfare capabilities.

Speed and Range

Powered by four turboprop engines, the KJ-500 prioritizes endurance and sensor coverage over high speed. Open-source estimates generally place its maximum speed at approximately 550 to 650 km/h, although exact performance figures are not officially confirmed. Its operational range and endurance vary with mission profile, payload, and flight conditions.

The aircraft’s altitude and radar coverage provide an elevated surveillance position, helping detect and track aircraft over distances that depend on target altitude, radar characteristics, and environmental conditions. Its role is especially relevant to coordinated fighter operations and maritime surveillance.

Cost/Price

China has not publicly confirmed a reliable unit price for the KJ-500. Development costs, production expenses, mission equipment, and support requirements are not sufficiently documented to provide a defensible estimate. The aircraft’s value lies primarily in its ability to improve situational awareness and coordinate multiple military platforms rather than carry weapons itself.