AKF-98
{{short description|Chinese anti-ship missile}}
{{Infobox weapon
| is_missile = yes
| name = AKF-98
| image =
| image_size = 300
| caption =
| origin = People's Republic of China
| type = Air-launched cruise missile
| used_by = People's Liberation Army
| designer =
| manufacturer =
| unit_cost =
| propellant = liquid fuel
| production_date =
| service =
| engine = jet engine
| engine_power =
| weight = Approx. {{cvt|1000|kg|lb}}
| length = Approx. {{cvt|4|m|ft}}
| height = {{cvt|490|mm|in}}
| width = {{cvt|750|mm|in}}
| diameter =
| wingspan =
| speed =
| vehicle_range = {{cvt|500-1000|km|nmi}}
| ceiling =
| altitude =
| filling = Approx. {{cvt|500|kg|lb}}
| filling_weight =
| guidance = GNSS, INS, IIR, TERPROM
| detonation =
| launch_platform =
- Aerial platforms
- Shenyang J-16
- Xi'an JH-7A2
}}
AKF-98 ({{zh|s=AKF-98防区外巡航导弹|p=Jiǔbā Fángqū wài xúnháng dǎodàn|l=Standoff cruise missile}}) is a stand-off land-attack cruise missile of Chinese origin. It was debuted at Airshow China 2022.
Development
The AKF-98A was displayed at Zhuhai Airshow in 2022.{{cite web|url=https://aviationweek.com/defense/missile-defense-weapons/china-air-launch-munitions-spark-interest |title=China Air Launch Munitions Spark Interest |website=aAviation Week |date=9 November 2022 |first=Chuanren |last=Chen }} 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.{{cite web|url=https://www.iiss.org/en/online-analysis/military-balance/2022/11/chinas-air-show-but-dont-tell-weapons-development/ |title=Chinas air show but dont tell weapons development |website=International Institute for Strategic Studies |date=25 November 2022 |first=Douglas |last=Barrie}}{{cite web|url=https://www.c4isrnet.com/battlefield-tech/2022/11/10/china-shows-off-air-launched-hypersonic-missile-at-airshow-near-taiwan/ |title=China displays air-launched hypersonic missile at air show near Taiwan |website=C4ISRnet |date=10 November 2022 |first=Mike |last=Yeo }}{{cite web|url=https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Air-Base-Defense-Rollout-Presentation-FINAL.pdf |title=Fighting the Air Base: Ensuring Decisive Combat Sortie Generation Under Enemy Fire |date=July 2024 |website=Mitchell Institute For Aerospace Studies |page=6 }} 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.{{cite web|url=https://www.janes.com/osint-insights/defence-news/defence/update-airshow-china-2022-new-airborne-stand-off-weapons-unveiled |title=Update – Airshow China 2022: New airborne stand-off weapons unveiled |website=Janes |date=18 November 2022 }}{{cite web|url=https://www.sohu.com/a/602775052_121118977 |title=全网神秘、首次亮相的空军AKF98A，是不是防区外隐身巡航导弹？ |website=Sohu News |date=5 November 2022 }}
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, such as unitary warheads or submunition dispensers.{{cite web|url=https://www.iiss.org/blogs/military-balance/2023/02/chinas-air-force-modernisation-gaining-pace |title=China's air force modernisation: gaining pace |website=International Institute for Strategic Studies |date=21 February 2023 |first=Douglas |last=Barrie }} One variant was also identified with foldable fins, indicating intentions for internal carriage.{{cite web|url=https://www.iiss.org/en/online-analysis/military-balance/2022/11/chinas-air-show-but-dont-tell-weapons-development/ |title=Chinas air show but dont tell weapons development |website=International Institute for Strategic Studies |date=25 November 2022 |first=Douglas |last=Barrie}} The bottom of the missile is reportedly where the recessed ventral intake locate.
According to Janes Information Services, Ta Kung Pao, and International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), the missile is speculated to have a weight around {{cvt|1000|kg|lb}}, a length of {{cvt|4|m|ft}}, a height of {{cvt|490|mm|in}}, a width of {{cvt|750|mm|in}}, a range of {{cvt|500-1000|km|nmi}}, and a warhead payload of {{cvt|500|kg|lb}}.{{cite web|url=https://paper.takungpao.com/resfile/PDF/20240528/PDF/a18_screen.pdf |title=外界猜測AKF98A資料 |website=Ta Kung Pao |date=28 May 2024 |author=馬浩亮 }}
Variants
Operators
See also
References
{{reflist}}
{{Chinese Missiles}}
Category:Guided missiles of the People's Republic of China