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.

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

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

Y8 GX8: ELINT / SIGINT aircraft

ZDK-03: AWACS aircraft

Photos credit original posters, via Chinese Internet

China upgrades its ZBD04 / WZ502 IFV to ZBD08 / WZ502G

China is starting to introduce an upgraded Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV), designated WZ502G. Compared to its predecessor, the original WZ502 or ZBD04, it's armor has been increased. The front of the hull and the turret can withstand hits from 30 mm rounds, the sides 14.5 mm rounds and the rear 7.62mm. It has the option of bolting on additional armor as needed.

The amphibious capability has been reduced with the removal of the rear water jets. The turret includes a thermal imaging gun sight. Armament remains a version of Russia's BMP-3 turret with 100 mm main gun, 30 mm cannon and coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun.

The current ZBD04 (WZ502) currently in use.

The upgraded ZBD08 (WZ502G) now entering service.

Specifications by NORINCO of the VN11, the export designation of the ZBD04.

Crew: 3+7
Combat weight: 21.5 t
Power-to-weight ratio: 25.2 hp/t
Length (gun forward): 7.52 m
Length (gun backward): 8.28 m
Width (with skirt): 3.30 m
Height (to turret top): 2.53 m
Maximum speed (on road): 70 km/h
Maximum speed (on water): 13 km/h
Cruising range: 400 km
Max gradient: 60%
Trench: 2.5 m
Vertical obstacle: 0.75 m
Ground clearance: 0.45 m
Engine: water-cooled, turbo charged V6 diesel engine, developing 404 kW at 2200 rpm
Armament (main): 100 mm rifled gun
Armament (ATGM): laser beam riding gun-launched missile
Armament (co-axial): 1x 30 mm cannon and 1x 7.62 mm MG
Ammunition (main): 41 rounds
Ammunition (ATGM): 8 rounds
Ammunition (30 mm): 500 rounds
Ammunition (7.62 mm): 2000 rounds
Gun elevation/depression: -6° to +60°
NBC: yes
Night vision equipment: yes
Smoke discharger: yes