HJ-9
The Hong Jian-9 (Chinese: 红箭-9; pinyin: Hóng Jiàn-9; lit.: 'Red Arrow-9') is an advanced, third-generation anti-tank missile system deployed by the People's Liberation Army.
| Hong Jian (Red Arrow) - 9 | |
|---|---|
 A HJ-9 missile system mounted on a WZ550 4x4 vehicle. | |
| Type | anti-tank and air-to-surface missiles |
| Place of origin | China |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1990s to present |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Norinco |
| Produced | Since 1990s |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 37 kg |
| Length | 1200 mm |
| Diameter | 152 mm |
| Warhead | Tandem HEAT warhead, 1100-1200 mm penetration RHAe |
Detonation mechanism | Contact fuse |
| Engine | rocket motor |
| Propellant | solid fuel |
Operational range | 100 – 5500 meters[1] |
Guidance system | laser-beam-riding & MMW radar |
Launch platform | Air & ground |
The missile was developed by China North Industries Corporation (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 ZT3 Ingwe anti-tank missile. Like the MAPATS and ZT3, the HJ-9 is guided by laser beam riding.
The HJ-9 has a maximum range of 5.5 km (3.4 mi), and a minimum range of 100 m (110 yd). Claimed armor penetration is 1,200mm, which is greater than that of the HJ-8. The missile may be fitted with high-explosive or thermal effect warheads for use against non-armored point targets, bunkers and fortifications. Like the HJ-8, the HJ-9 utilizes a disposable container/launching tube, but the one for HJ-9 is heavier, weighing 37 kg (82 lb) because HJ-9 is larger than HJ-8. The diameter of the HJ-9 is 152 mm (6.0 in) 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 the launcher on vehicles could be rapidly dismounted for foot soldiers.
Norinco also revealed a further-developed advanced version of the HJ-9A, designated HJ-9B.[2]
See also
- Related development
- HJ-8 - wire-guided anti-tank missile system
- HJ-10 - fiber-optic wire-guided anti-tank missile system
- HJ-12 - man-portable infrared-homing anti-tank missile system
- Missiles of comparable design
References
- JIW, p. 448. The main article page mentions a 5000 meter range while the specifications for the article indicate "up to 5500 meters".
- "sinodefence.com". Archived from the original on 2008-12-08. Retrieved 2009-01-04.
- HJ-9 ATM
- (JIW) Jones, Richard D. and Ness, Leland (eds.), Jane's Infantry Weapons 2007-2008, Coulsdon: Jane's Information Group Ltd., 2007.
- (JAA) Foss, Christopher F. (ed.), Jane's Armour and Artillery 2007-2008, London: Jane's Publishing Company Ltd., 2008.