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AKF-98
AKF-98 (Chinese: AKF-98防区外巡航导弹; pinyin: Jiǔbā Fángqū wài xúnháng dǎodàn; lit. 'Standoff cruise missile') is a stand-off land-attack cruise missile of Chinese origin. It was debuted at Airshow China 2022. DevelopmentThe AKF-98A was displayed at Zhuhai Airshow in 2022.[1] It's a jet-powered stand-off cruise missile carried by fighter aircraft in a similar class to AGM-158 JASSM or Storm Shadow/SCALP-EG. The missile has a stealth enclosure that reduces radar-cross sections.[2][3][4] The low observable design features a diamond-shaped nose section and trapezoid body, and a tail section containing two horizontal tailfins and two downward vertical tailfins. The nose contains a terminal seeker that possibly includes imaging infrared (IIR), satellite navigation (GNSS), inertial guidance computers (INS), and a radio altimeter for terrain following.[5][6] Two variants of AKF-98A were identified, carried separately by an Xi'an JH-7A2 and a Shenyang J-16. Two missiles feature different body sections, which might carry different types of warheads,[5] such as unitary warheads or submunition dispensers.[7] One variant was also identified with foldable fins, indicating intentions for internal carriage.[8] The bottom of the missile is reportedly where the recessed ventral intake locate.[5][6] According to Janes Information Services, Ta Kung Pao, and International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), the missile is speculated to have a weight around 1,000 kg (2,200 lb), a length of 4 m (13 ft), a height of 490 mm (19 in), a width of 750 mm (30 in), a range of 500–1,000 km (270–540 nmi), and a warhead payload of 500 kg (1,100 lb).[5][8][9] Variants
OperatorsSee alsoReferences
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