HQ-22
 |
| HQ-22 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Surface-to-air missile |
| Place of origin |  China |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2017–present |
| Used by | See Operators |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | ~ 1,300 kilograms (2,900 lb) |
| Length | ~ 7 metres (23 ft) |
| Diameter | ~ 0.7 metres (2 ft 4 in) |
| Warhead | ~ 180 kilograms (400 lb) |
Detonation mechanism | Impact/proximity |
| Engine | Rocket motor |
| Propellant | Solid fuel |
Operational range | 170 kilometres (110 mi) |
| Flight altitude | 50 metres (160 ft) to 27 kilometres (17 mi) |
Guidance system | Semi-active radar homing/radio-command guidance |
Launch platform | Hanyang 8x8 |
The HQ-22 (simplified Chinese: 红旗-22; traditional Chinese: 紅旗-22; pinyin: Hóng Qí-22; lit. 'Red Banner-22') is a medium- to long-range semi-active radar homing/radio-command guidance air defence system developed and manufactured in China.[1]
Development
The HQ-22 air defence system was developed as the second generation of the HQ-12 missile.[2] The HQ-22 is manufactured by Jiangnan Space Industry, also known as Base 061, which is a part of China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC).[1]
In 2014, a downgraded form of the missile known as the FK-3 was revealed, targeting export customers.[3]
At the 2016 Zhuhai Airshow, the HQ-22 was first publicly revealed as an improved version of the FK-3.[citation needed]
In 2017, the HQ-22 entered service in the People's Liberation Army and has rapidly become one of the main missiles used for air defence.[4]
Design
A typical HQ-22 battery includes one radar vehicle and three transporter erector launchers equipped with four missiles each. Each battery can reportedly engage six aerial targets simultaneously.[5]
The missile system has been widely compared to the American Patriot and Russia's mobile long range S-300 surface-to-air missile system. Although it has a shorter range than S-300 variants such as the S-300PMU-2, it is thought to benefit from superior electronic warfare countermeasures (ECM) and superior capabilities against stealth targets at shorter ranges.[6]
The system is believed to be much less expensive than the HQ-9 also in service and will be one of the mainstays of China's air defense network, replacing the HQ-2 missiles of the Cold War era.[7] It is rumoured that the missile has had a high rate of acquisition, already being deployed in large numbers despite its relatively young age.[8]
Missile
The HQ-22 has a range of up to 170 kilometres (110 mi) and can strike targets at altitudes from 50 metres (160 ft) to 27 kilometres (17 mi). The system's missiles are guided by semi-active radar guidance[4] and can engage ballistic and cruise missiles, aircraft, helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles.
One main difference of the HQ-22 from its predecessor HQ-12 is that the HQ-22 has a new "wingless" design.[9]
Radar
The system is capable of launching 12 missiles to engage up to six targets simultaneously.[10] and engage up to 36 targets with 72 missiles when multiple fire units, under the control of a command and coordination vehicle, are used.
The missile can use either semi-active radar homing composite guidance or radio-command guidance through the whole course. Initially, the missile will use semi-active radar homing guidance and in the case that it encounters strong electronic interference, will automatically change to radio-command guidance.
Launch vehicle
The launcher vehicles are based on a 8x8 configuration chassis manufactured by the Hanyang Special Purpose Vehicle Institute. The HQ-22 launches its missiles at an angle, unlike the HQ-9 and HQ-16 which launch their missiles vertically.[4]
Variants
- HQ-22 Variant in service with the People's Liberation Army with speed of Mach 6 and a range of 170 kilometres (110 mi).
- FK-3 Original export variant.[1] Has a speed of Mach 6 and range of 150 kilometres (93 mi).[4]
- HQ-22B Updated version with improved speed and range that can reach Mach 8 and has a range of 200 kilometres (120 mi). The HQ-22B has been in service with the People's Liberation Army since 2021.
- HQ-22C Newer version still under development to improve its speed to Mach 10 and range to 250 kilometres (160 mi).
Deployment
In 2017, the HQ-22 entered service in the People's Liberation Army and has rapidly become one of the country's primary air defence systems.[4]
In August 2020, it was announced that Serbia had purchased the FK-3, surprising many in the Russian media, who had expected the country to purchase the S-300 instead.[11] It was the first time that any Chinese medium- or long-range air defence system had been exported to a European country.[12]
It was reported in April that HQ-22s had been deployed by the PLA near Indian territory in the eastern Ladakh area.[13]
In April 2022, multiple People's Liberation Army Air Force Xi'an Y-20 transport aircraft landed in Belgrade to deliver the FK-3 to the Serbian Armed Forces.[14]
Operators
China – In service with the People's Liberation Army.[15]
Myanmar – In service with the Tatmadaw.[16]
Serbia – In service with the Serbian Armed Forces; delivered in April 2022.[17]
Thailand – In service with the Royal Thai Armed Forces.[16]
Turkmenistan – In service with the Armed Forces of Turkmenistan.[16]
References
- ^ a b c https://en.missilery.info/missile/hq-22
- ^ "Serbia Orders Chinese Air Defense System".
- ^ China to show latest generation of surface-to-air missile weapon system FK-3 at DSA 2014
- ^ a b c d e "HQ-22 Long-Range Air Defense Missile System | Military-Today.com".
- ^ "Did Russian S-400s Got Dumped for Chinese Air Defence System by an Aspiring EU Nation?". 4 August 2020.
- ^ "Military Watch Magazine".
- ^ "China Shows New Fighters, Missiles and Drones".
- ^ https://twitter.com/nudelsinpita/status/1365968644413530114?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1365968644413530114%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sinodefenceforum.com%2Ft%2Fpla-anti-air-missile-sam-systems.7266%2Fpage-43 [bare URL]
- ^ "Serbia Orders Chinese Air Defense System".
- ^ "Military Watch Magazine".
- ^ "RFE: US warns Serbia over Chinese AA missile system purchase". 10 August 2020.
- ^ "Did Russian S-400s Got Dumped for Chinese Air Defence System by an Aspiring EU Nation?". 4 August 2020.
- ^ https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/india-closely-watching-chinese-air-defence-batteries-deployed-near-lac/articleshow/82032998.cms?from=mdr
- ^ https://www.itamilradar.com/2022/04/09/chinese-military-supplies-for-serbia/
- ^ https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/india-china-ladakh-confrontation-surface-to-air-missile-1790116-2021-04-12
- ^ a b c "HQ-22 / FK-3 - Surface-to-Air Missile". Global Security. 8 January 2021. Retrieved 17 April 2022.
- ^ Yeo, Mike (11 April 2022). "China delivers anti-aircraft missiles to Serbia". DefenseNews. Retrieved 17 April 2022.