| Hong Jian (Red Arrow) - 9 | |
|---|---|
A HJ-9 missile system mounted on a WZ550 4x4 vehicle. |
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| Type | anti-tank and air-to-surface missiles |
| Place of origin | China |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1990’s to present |
| Used by | China |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Norinco |
| Produced | Since 1990’s |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 37 kg |
| Diameter | 152mm |
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| Warhead | Tandem HEAT warhead, 1200mm penetration RHAe |
| Detonation mechanism |
Contact fuse |
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| 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) is an advanced, third-generation anti-tank missile system deployed by the People's Liberation Army.
The missile was developed by 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 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, while the minimum range is 100 metres, and the missile is said to be more powerful than the HJ-8. 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 because HJ-9 is larger than HJ-8. The diameter of the HJ-9 missile is 152 millimetres, 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 that the launcher on vehicles could be rapidly dismounted for foot soldiers.
Norinco also revealed a further-developed advanced version of the HJ-9A, designated the HJ-9B.[2]
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