Today we’re happy to unveil a new frontrunner for advanced SAM systems. Say hello to the HQ11, currently in service with the PLA!
HQ11: A SAM System (SPAA) for China at Rank VIII
At a glance:
- Radar and launcher on one vehicle
- 8 vertical launch missiles
- Phased array radar
- No optical sight
- Large size
The HQ11 system was displayed in 2022 at the Zhuhai Air Show, a development of the earlier FM-3000 missile system shown in 2014, presented as a “universal terminal defense system”. The launcher is mounted on an eight-wheeled chassis and is equipped with 8 vertically launched surface-to-air missile containers.
The HQ11 differs from previous anti-aircraft systems by its compact and significantly more autonomous design, the use of phased array radar, and significantly increased capabilities for simultaneously engaging multiple targets.
Introducing the HQ11!
This new top-of-the-line SAM system will soon be the pinnacle of the Chinese anti-aircraft line when it arrives to War Thunder in the Line of Contact major update. Let’s take a look at this anti-air titan in more detail!
China’s new top anti-aircraft vehicle is only a single machine, rather than the Multi-Vehicle SAM System that has become commonplace for other nations. This large four-axle truck houses both the radar and targeting system and the containers for the vertically launched FM-3000 missiles. These missiles are certainly powerful, and feature a combined guidance system. This consists of inertial guidance during the initial and cruise phases of flight, radio command guidance based on radar data, and finally active radar homing during the final interception phase. These missiles are also fairly versatile in regards to altitude and range, with a maximum engagement range of 30 km and a minimum effective range of around 1 km.
As this advanced system rather uniquely combines the radar and launcher on a single vehicle, you can potentially operate the missiles in third-person view (which is not too convenient, but still possible). Though, the primary and most useful interface will be via the typical radar control screen. The advanced phased array radar is responsible for detecting and tracking targets, scanning the surrounding space and updating all the relevant data with high frequency.
Despite the single vehicle setup, the HQ11 is still huge and fragile. With its launchers and antenna deployed, it’s a very easy vehicle to spot, so what do you do? The ideal position for such a vehicle is behind some form of vertical cover, trees, rocks or buildings. The radar array will still be able to detect targets, and with the help of an ammo box you’ll be able to keep operating effectively and with relative safety. No target will be safe from the HQ11, be it at close range or long range, these advanced missiles will find their target!
The HQ11 will be ready and waiting for you at rank VIII of the Chinese anti-aircraft line in the upcoming Line of Contact major update. Thanks for reading today’s blog, and we’ll see you soon for even more!
Please note that the vehicle's characteristics may be changed before being added to the game.
You can greatly speed up the research of the HQ11 with this pack:
- Al-Khalid-I (Rank VII, China)
- 2500 Golden Eagles
- Premium account for 20 days
- 69.99
- Store
