China releases detail of ARH MRAAM

The SD-10 was placed on open display at the Beijing Aviation show with specs. This coincides with the sales push for the FC-1.

The SD-10 is probably the biggest selling point of the FC-1. This is almost definitely a different model from Chinese frontline MRAAMs, at least one of which is the PL-12.

Although it is speculated that Russian help was used in the SD-10, the outward appearance is very different and has more in common with the AMRAAM’s outines. Overall, it seems a much more mature product than what one would believe from a recently developed missile (the name SD-10 only appeared two years ago).

The project probably had roots in the 1980s.

http://www.kanwa.com/free/2003/09/e0925a.htm

(Kanwa News Sept 10, 2003)

China put on display the full-size SD10 AMRAAM model and disclosed more details about this weapon system. SD10 AMRAAM has a length of 3850mm, diameter 203mm, wing span 674mm weight 180kg, whiles for R77, these measurements are 3600mm, 200mm and 175kg respectively. Its operation altitude is 0-25km (0.02-30km for R77), maximum launching range 70km (50km for R77, some other documents say it is 70km), maximum speed M4 (M3 for R77) maneuverability 38g.
A source claims the design of the seeker was completed in cooperation with Russia. R77 adopts J band seeker. The overall designs of R77 and SD10 are significantly different. As far as the pneumatic shape of the missiles is concerned, SD10 is closer to AIM120A, suggesting that the production of SD10 started in later years of 1980s. It was after that that Russia and China started to cooperate in the areas of seeker technologies. SD10 uses radio command guidance plus strap-down inertial and active radar guidance. CATIC says SD10 is capable of attacking 4 targets simultaneously, while R77 can attack two air targets simultaneously. With reference to the diameter of SD10 AAM, its radar diameter is very likely larger than that of R77.

CATIC’s technological experts told Kanwa that they are still upgrading SD10. Up to the present, SD10 with two and four rounds surface-to-air attack version has already been developed and related experiments have also been completed. (Kanwa News)