HJ-12
The Hongjian-12 (Chinese: 红箭-12; pinyin: Hóng Jiàn-12; lit.: 'Red Arrow-12') is a third generation, man-portable, fire-and-forget infrared homing anti-tank missile of China. It was unveiled at the Eurosatory 2014 exhibition.[2]
HJ-12 | |
---|---|
Red Arrow 12 mockup at IDEX 2017 | |
Type | Anti-tank missile |
Place of origin | People's Republic of China |
Service history | |
Used by | See Users |
Production history | |
Manufacturer | NORINCO |
Produced | 2014 – Present |
Specifications | |
Mass | 22 kg (49 lb) (carry weight) 17 kg (37 lb) (missile) 5 kg (11 lb) (IIR/EO targeting sight)[1] |
Length | Missile: 0.98 m (3.2 ft) Launch tube: 1.2 m (3.9 ft) |
Diameter | Missile: 13.5 cm (5.3 in) Launch tube: 17 cm (6.7 in) |
Effective firing range | 4,000 m (2.5 mi) (daytime)[1] 2,000 m (1.2 mi) (nighttime)[1] |
Warhead | Tandem shaped charge HEAT |
Detonation mechanism | Impact force |
Engine | Solid fuel rocket |
Guidance system | infrared homing, CCD |
Design
The HJ-12 is a modern, third generation anti-tank missile developed by China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO). The HJ-12 is a fire-and-forget system utilizing Lock-On Before Launch (LOBL) and is capable of being fired within buildings and bunkers due to its soft launch system. Once launched, it will home autonomously onto its target, allowing the operator to immediately take cover or reload to engage another target. The warhead uses a tandem shaped charge design with an estimated penetration capability of up to 1,100 mm (43 in) of rolled homogeneous armour (RHA) after penetrating explosive reactive armor.[2] When facing non-armored point targets, bunkers and fortifications, the missile can be fitted with either high-explosive or thermal effect warheads. Its fire-and-forget technology will reduce the number of anti-tank operators needed on a battlefield, which lowers probable casualties. When engaging enemy tanks and armored vehicles, the HJ-12 aims to destroy the top of its targets, the more vulnerable point. [3]
The HJ-12 is China's first portable anti-tank missile, increasing the ability of the People's Liberation Army Ground Force to have more modern and mobile infantry forces. It is intended to enable China to match up with anti-tank missile developments made by Western defense companies, like the FGM-148 Javelin and Spike. The missile is also available for export to armies in developing countries that would need to contend with third-generation main battle tanks, but the number of potential buyers is likely small due to its higher cost.[4]
Users
Algeria: Exported to Algerian People's National Army[5][6] China People's Liberation Army Nigeria: Exported to the Nigerian military.[7]
See also
- Red Arrow Development
- HJ-8 - wire-guided anti-tank missile system
- HJ-9 - beam-riding anti-tank missile system
- HJ-10 - fiber-optic wire-guided anti-tank missile system
- Comparable systems
- Related lists
- List of anti-tank guided missiles
- List of missiles
References
- For Sale: A New Chinese Tank-Killer? – Popsci.com, 10 July 2014
- "Defense Industry of China unveils Red Arrow 12 HJ-12 man-portable fire-and-forget anti-tank missile". Army Recognition. 9 July 2014. Archived from the original on 22 July 2014. Retrieved 9 July 2014.
- http://defense-update.com/20141113_china-unveils-man-portable-copy-of-the-israeli-spike-and-us-javelin-missile.html
- Anti-tank weapon to bolster PLA capability – Armyrecognition.com, 26 August 2014
- https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_july_2020_global_security_army_industry/china_delivers_hj-12_red_arrow_anti-tank_guide_missile_weapon_systems_to_algeria.html
- "L'Algérie opte pour le HJ-12, le Javelin chinois" (in French). menadefense.net. 20 July 2020. Retrieved 20 July 2020.
- https://www.africanmilitaryblog.com/2020/04/norinco-exports-red-arrow-12e-hj-12e-man-portable-atgw-system-to-nigeria?v=65d8f7baa677
Wikimedia Commons has media related to HJ-12. |