Shaanxi Y-8 High New Aircraft Series

The Y-8 High New series of aircraft are force multipliers used by the Chinese armed forces. At least 7 different types have been identified. Their use includes electronic attack, jamming and counter measures, providing targeting info, airborne command, electronic/signal intelligence, early warning, anti submarine warfare and psychological warfare.

All use the Y-8 manufactured by Shaanxi, which in turn is based on the Antonov AN-12. The GX5 and GX6 also use the improved Category 3 platform. Included, although not in use by the Chinese armed forces, is the ZDK-03, which is a modified version of the GX5 with a rotodome developed for the Pakistani armed forces.

The Category 3 platform is also used for the new Y-9. Another member GX-8 may be on the way here.

Y-8 GX1: electronic attack, jamming and counter measures aircraft

Y-8 GX2: maritime targeting aircraft

Y-8 GX3: airborne command post

Y-8 GX4: ELINT aircraft

Y-8 GX5: AWACS aircraft

Y8 GX6: ASW aircraft

Y8 GX7: psychological warfare aircraft

ZDK-03: AWACS aircraft

Specifications of the baseline Y-8

Crew: 3
Payload: 20,000 kg
Length: 34.02m
Wingspan: 38.0m
Height: 11.6m
Wing area: 121.9m²
Empty weight: 35,490kg
Useful load: 20,000kg
Max. takeoff weight: 61,000kg
Powerplant: 4 × Zhuzhou WoJiang-6 (WJ-6) turboprops, 3,170kW (4,250hp) each
Maximum speed: 660km/h
Cruise speed: 550km/h
Range: 5,615km
Service ceiling: 10,400m
Rate of climb: 10m/s