someone wanted to know about the modified sunburn for the PLAN’s 956EMs.

“In Kanwa Information Centre’s “Report on Russia-China Cooperation in Naval Technology” released in June 2003, Kanwa exposed for the first time that 956EM DDG would be fitted with the 240km-ranged 3M80MBE upgraded version SSM.”

Thanks Google, that was me. 240km range eh. Nearly twice the original range of the stock 3M80. With the 3M80MBE, I am pretty sure the ‘M’ stands for the Russian word meaning modernised/or modified. The ‘E’ probably for export. But what of the ‘B’?

The XAAM-5 looks like an IRIS-T clone. The XAAM-4 is also in my opinion heavily influenced by the AIM-120’s design. I see the Japanese are still doing what they do best; imitate. 😉

That one’s not yet out for the public, Glenn. However, the NLCA and TLCA both have reduced internal fuel compared to the conventional Land based version.

The naval LCA with reduced internal fuel? Based on the twin-seater, I guess thats no surprise. I don’t think it will be taking off mission-loaded, WITHOUT a couple of drop tanks. Judging by its size I would guess at an internal fuel load of probably not much more than 2-2.5 tons.

@GDL

The Kh-59 is a real stand off missile, its normal that China purchased some of them and they can also be equipped with image intensifier’s to work at night, for a weapon of such a class, this guidance method is the only way, the Chinese can like it or not.

It was a tounge-in-cheek comment by me really on the Kh-59ME. Although TV guidance is not the only guidance method for 100km+ class stand-off weapons.

Perhaps Irkut Co.’s marketing power will help it promote and eventually sell YAK platforms. Since they now own YAK, they have a vested interest in selling them.

The last part of the article talks about future development as pushing the range in future missiles to 300-400 kms 🙂

GD, really appreciate the translation on the info. The thing about this kind of range is that it’s not ground breaking. The Russians have the capability right now with the boosted KS-172 from Navotar. I just wonder if the Chinese will start something new, or ride the coat tails of another foreign program.

And who said Mach 4 is a bit low? Isn’t that AMRAAM/R-77 speed?

Range

Looking at the LCA, and thinking of the naval variant that is due to fly in 2007, what kind of range are we talking about? And internal fuel load? Which ever way you look at it, the LCA is small.