HJ-9

Hong Jian (Red Arrow) - 9

A HJ-9 missile system mounted on a WZ550 4x4 vehicle.
Type anti-tank and air-to-surface missiles
Place of origin China
Service history
In service 1990s to present
Production history
Manufacturer Norinco
Produced Since 1990s
Specifications
Weight 37 kg
Length 1200 mm
Diameter 152 mm
Warhead Tandem HEAT warhead, 1100-1200 mm penetration RHAe
Detonation
mechanism
 Contact fuse
Engine rocket motor
Propellant solid fuel
Operational
range
 100 – 5500 meters[1]
Guidance
system
 laser-beam-riding & MMW radar
Launch
platform
 Air & ground

The Hong Jian-9 (Red Arrow, 红箭, also known as the AFT-9A) is an advanced, third-generation anti-tank missile system deployed by the People's Liberation Army.

The missile was developed by China North Industries Corporation (Norinco), and one of the chief designers was Yang Chunming (杨春铭). It is similar in appearance to the Israeli MAPATS (man portable anti-tank system), causing speculation about the link between the two missiles. It is also similar to the South African ZT3 Ingwe antitank missile, and like its Israeli and South African counterparts, its guidance is laser-beam-riding.

The maximum range is up to 5.5 km (3.4 mi), while the minimum range is 100 m (110 yd), and the missile is said to be more powerful than the HJ-8. The AFT-9A's laser-guided missile claims to have an armor penetration of 1,200mm. This makes the AFT-9A a true tank killer that can penetrate all types of armor currently in use. When facing non-armored point targets, bunkers and fortifications, the AFT-9A's missile can be fitted with either high-explosive warheads or thermal effect warheads. The missile can be fired from one platform. Like the HJ-8, the HJ-9 utilizes a disposable container/launching tube, but the one for HJ-9 is heavier, weighing 37 kg (82 lb) because HJ-9 is larger than HJ-8. The diameter of the HJ-9 is 152 mm (6.0 in) and the missile is compatible with a variety of thermal imaging sights.

In 2005, Norinco revealed in various public events that another version of HJ-9, the HJ-9A was already in service with Chinese armed forces, and this version used semi-active millimetre wave radar guidance. However, only photos of HJ-9A in service with Chinese paratroops were shown to the public. In these photos, the HJ-9A launcher is mounted on a jeep, and Norinco claimed the launcher on vehicles could be rapidly dismounted for foot soldiers.

Norinco also revealed a further-developed advanced version of the HJ-9A, designated HJ-9B.[2]

References

  1. ↑ JIW, p. 448. The main article page mentions a 5000 meter range while the specifications for the article indicate "up to 5500 meters".
  2. ↑ sinodefence.com
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