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Air ForcesChina

KJ-500

Airborne early warning and control aircraftIn serviceFielded 2010Pending verification

Also known as: Air Warning 500

Air ForcesCHN
KJ-500
Photo: Alert5 · CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Fact cardConfidence · Source
System
TypeAirborne early warning and control aircraft
Alternative designationsAir Warning 500
Date of introduction2010
ProliferationOrigin country only
ManufacturerShaanxi Aircraft CorporationMed[1]
Crew24Low[1]
Dimensions and weight
Length36 m118 ftMed[1]
Wingspan40 m131 ftMed[1]
Height11.5 m38 ftMed[1]
Empty weight40,000 kg88,185 lbMed[1]
Flight performance
Engine4 x Zhuzhou WoJiang-6C (FWJ-6C)Med[1]
Thrust / power5,100 horsepower each and driving six-bladed propeller units.Med[1]
Range5,700 km3,542 mi · 3,078 nmiMed[1]
Speed550 km/h342 mph · 297 ktMed[1]
Service ceiling10,500 m34,449 ftMed[1]
Fire control
Battle Management System (BMS)Yes, Coupled with other current Chinese Air Force capabilities, the KJ-500 series platform certainly adds a much-needed modern potent tracking solution for the service.Med[1]
Radar arrangementThe aircraft carries a fixed dorsal radome containing three AESA radar arrays for 360 degree coverage, and is said to be more efficient than the two-planar 'balance beam' array…Med[1]
Coverage360 degMed[1]
Summary

The KJ-500 (Chinese: 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 built by Shaanxi Aircraft Corporation., and is based on the Y-9 airframe.

Draft entry. Values come from the cited public sources and are awaiting editor verification.
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Operators
China
Sources
  1. KJ-500 Chinese Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) Aircraft, U.S. Army TRADOC G-2 Worldwide Equipment Guide (ODIN)
    Published/updated 2026-03-20 · Tier 1 · checked 2026-10-10
Change log
  • 2026-10-05 Entry created from the Worldwide Equipment Guide (ODIN)
  • 2026-10-06 Added photo (CC BY-SA 4.0)