This post mainly introduces the models and development of China’s air to ground missiles.
YJ-8 series missiles
The YJ-8 series missiles were developed by the Third Research Institute of China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation.
The early development of the YJ-8 series anti-ship missiles can be traced back to the early 1970s, when air launched anti-ship missiles were developed to complement the Navy Aviation’s Q-5乙 improved attack aircraft program.
However, due to the cessation of development of related platforms, the development of air launched anti-ship missiles also faced a lack of platforms and came to a standstill. With the persistence and slow progress of researchers, hope was reserved for future development (the development conditions were also very limited).
With the gradual advancement of the development plan and changes in practical needs. In the late 1970s, the project was officially approved for development and named “Eagle Strike 8”. The basic type was also changed from the initial airlaunched type to a shipboard type.
YJ-8 basic type (H/AJJ08 type)
The range of YJ-8 is about 40km, and the export model is called C801.
YJ-8A Shipborne Missile (H/AJJ08A)
The YJ-8A is the first generation improved version of the YJ-8 and also the first mass-produced model with larger equipment. The projectile is slightly elongated and uses an improved solid rocket engine, which extends the range to about 70 kilometers without significant changes in volume and weight.
YJ-81/YJ-8K air-to-ship missile (H/AKJ08 type)
The air to ship model developed on the basis of the YJ-8 ship to ship missile is characterized by the elimination of solid rocket boosters at the rear, further reducing the length of the missile, non foldable wings, and a maximum range of about 50 kilometers. It was one of the main air to ship missiles of the Chinese Navy’s aviation from the late 1990s to the early 21st century, gradually replaced by YJ-83K/KH air to ship missiles and other models.
YJ-82/YJ-8Q Submarine Missile (H/AQJ08 Type)
The submarine to ship model developed on the basis of YJ-8 is launched by torpedo launch tubes, using a disposable powered underwater launch tube, dry water launch method, foldable wings, and a maximum range of 40-50 kilometers.
It is mainly equipped with domestically produced conventional and nuclear powered attack submarines such as the 039G conventional submarine, and is one of the main domestically produced submarine missiles.
YJ-83 Ship to Ship Missile (H/AJJ83 Type)
The YJ-83 ship to ship missile is the second generation improved version based on the YJ-8 ship to ship missile. It is equipped with a turbojet engine and has a maximum range of 120 kilometers.
Thanks to technological progress, its weight is further reduced compared to the YJ-8/8A (by about 100 kilograms), and it has also made progress in anti-interference ability and has better beyond visual range combat capabilities.
After the emergence of this type of ship to ship missile, it quickly became the standard equipment for a series of new domestic surface combat ships, with a large number of equipment. Compared to the YJ-8A, its launch box has added three strengthening ribs, and the shape of the launch cover has undergone significant changes.
Its export version name is C802.
YJ-84/YJ-83Q Submarine Missile (H/AQJ83 type)
The submarine to ship model of YJ-83 ship to ship missile has a similar launch method to YJ-82, with a significantly improved maximum range and better overall performance compared to YJ-82.
It endows domestic conventional submarines and attack nuclear submarines with better strike flexibility and is one of the main domestic submarine missiles.
CM-708UNA is considered an export model of YJ-84.
YJ-83K Air-to-Ship Missile (H/AKJ83 Type)
YJ-83K is the air-to-ship model of YJ-83, which eliminates the solid rocket booster at the tail, reduces the length of the projectile, and has a maximum range of no less than 180 kilometers (some say it can reach 280 kilometers).
The carrier platform has good adaptability and has replaced YJ-81 (YJ-8K) as one of the standard sea attack weapons for naval combat aircraft such as JH-7/7A fighter bombers, H-6G/L anti-ship missile bombers, and J-15 carrier based multi-purpose fighter jets.
YJ-83KH Air-to-Ship Missile
The YJ-83KH is an improved version of the YJ-83K air-to-ship missile, which uses infrared imaging guidance technology and has strong anti-interference and all-weather combat capabilities.
YJ-83J Ship-to-Ship Missile
The YJ-83J is an extended range improved version of the YJ-83 ship to ship missile, with a maximum range of over 200 kilometers, almost twice that of the YJ-83. Guidance technology has been improved, enhancing anti-interference capabilities and combat capabilities under complex conditions.
YJ-83(???) Ship-to-Ship missile.
This is the latest model YJ-83, and its name is still unknown.
YJ-83(???) has improved guidance technology on the basis of YJ-83, with a range of over 200km. It adopts radar+infrared imaging dual-mode guidance technology, improving anti-interference ability and strike accuracy.
YJ-83K(???) Air-to-Ship missile.
YJ-83K(???) is the air-to-ship version of YJ83(???).
TL series
There are two TL series, TIANLONG and TIANLEI, whose names are both abbreviated as TL series.
But they are completely different series with different research and development companies.
TIANLONG series
Firstly, let’s introduce the TIANLONG series. The TIANLONG series is launched by Hongdu Aviation Industry Group Co., Ltd and is also a subsidiary of AVIC.
Many models in the TIANLONG series have two names because they have two different sales units.
One is China Aerospace Technology Import - Export Corporation. (Abbreviated as CATIC)
The other is China Precision Machinery Import - Export Corporation. (Abbreviated as CPMIEC)
For example, when sold by CATIC, it is called TL-7, while when sold by CPMIEC, it is called C-802.
TL-1and TL-2 anti-ship missile
TL-6B (C-704) anti-ship missile
TL-7 is an anti-ship missile, TL-17 is a medium range air-to-ground missile.
TL-7 (C-802) anti-ship missile, its PLA self use version is called YJ83.
TL-17, developed based on China’s own KD-88 air-to-ground missile, is a typical defense weapon outside the zone. The KD-88 missile is mainly equipped with the JH-7A fighter bomber of the Chinese Air Force and Navy Aviation, as well as the H-6H/M medium range bomber of the Air Force, with the aim of enhancing the long-range precision strike capability of these aircraft.
The technical characteristics of the KD-88 missile are twofold:
firstly, it has a route planning system, which can set several turning points in advance, so that the missile does not fly towards the target in a straight trajectory after launch, greatly increasing the difficulty of enemy interception;
The second is to introduce a bidirectional data link “Human in the loop” guidance mode, where operators can use the bidirectional data link to temporarily change the target of the missile during flight and attack new targets; At the end of the missile’s flight, the operator can also see the images transmitted by the missile through the data link on the fire control console, and then manually select the attack target to ensure strike efficiency.
The TL-7/17 anti-ship missile inherits the basic technical characteristics of the KD-88 missile.
It uses a small jet engine, weighs 700 kilograms (TL-7)/710 kilograms (TL-17), and has a range of up to 180 kilometers (TL-7) and 230 kilometers (TL-17).
It can be launched from fighter jets, bombers, ground installations, or ships.
The TL-7/17 missiles have similar size specifications, but the difference lies in the seeker.
The TL-7 missile uses an active radar seeker, while the TL-17 missile uses satellite guidance and bidirectional data links for “Human in the loop” TV/infrared guidance.
TL-10 series anti-ship missiles.
TL30 is a patrol anti radiation missile with a range of 280km
TL20 is a small diameter bomb.
TL30 and TL20 are included in the ground attack weapons of L15, as the development unit of L15 light attack aircraft/trainer aircraft is also Hongdu Aviation Industry Group Co., Ltd.
TIANLEI series
TIANLEI series launched by China Aerospace Science and Industry Co.,Ltd.
TL-1
TL-2
TL-3
TL-1C and TL-4
The TIANLEI series is commonly used as airborne weapons for drones and helicopters.
AR series
AR series is also launched by China Aerospace Science and Industry Co.,Ltd.
The AR series currently has AR-1/1B, AR-2.
AG series
The AG series currently has three models, AG-300S, AG-300M and AG-300L.
