Local tech Helps China increase Early Warning Aircraft Efficiency

A locally-developed technology has enabled Chinese aerial early warning (AEW) aircraft such as the KJ-200, KJ-500 and KJ-2000 to increase electromagnetic resources efficiency.

Developed by Tang Xiaobin, a senior scientist at the state-owned China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC), the technology works by separating different electromagnetic energies into two categories: One that boosts certain capabilities, and one that hinders certain capabilities, Global Times said, quoting a report from the Chinese Science and Technology Daily.

The efficiency of electromagnetic resources in electronic warfare has always been reduced due interferences between strong radiation antennae and other equipment. Previously, these problems would be solved one by one which is a time consuming effort and is also not recommended for AEW aircraft. Tang has remedied these shortcomings in the new designs.

The methodology helped Chinese AEW aircraft enjoy a 50 percent increase in electromagnetic resources utility efficiency compared with mainstream US AEW aircraft, the report said.

“The AEW aircraft could face strong electromagnetic interference from enemy forces, and this methodology could help protect aircraft systems from such attacks without having compatibility problems of its own,” Wei Dongxu, a Beijing-based military analyst, told the Global Times on Sunday.

“Thanks to this, China's AEW aircraft are more reliable (than US ones). The method will make the best of its electromagnetic resources, retaining its maximum detection and communication capabilities,” Wei added.