A screengrab from footage released by CCTV on 30 September showing the FK-2000 self-propelled air-defence system (background) at the Airshow China 2021 exhibition in Zhuhai. (CCTV)
The China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC) unveiled a new self-propelled air-defence system called the FK-2000 during the Airshow China 2021 exhibition held from 28 September to 3 October in Zhuhai.
In terms of design, the FK-2000 short-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system appears to have been derived from Russia's Pantsir family. It is capable of engaging aircraft at ranges from 1.2 km to 25 km, and at altitudes ranging from 15 m to 12 km, and is also capable of engaging precision-guided munition (PGM) targets, such as air-to-surface weapons or cruise missiles, at ranges from 1.2 km to 10 km, and at altitudes from 15 m to 8 km, according to the PLA Daily newspaper.
The primary combat vehicle is a transporter, erector, launcher and radar (TELAR) based on an 8×8 platform that is similar in design to the Minsk Wheeled Tractor Plant (Volat) MZKT-6922 family, albeit provided with an extra pair of wheels.
The TELAR vehicle is equipped with an unmanned turret mounting a search radar at the top-rear and a fire-control radar on the bottom-front. Additionally, an opto-electronic infrared sight can be mounted on top of the turret to provide a backup means for conducting fire control.
The vehicle is fitted with 12 launch containers for SAMs and two Gatling-type cannons, with half of the armament complement located on each side of the turret. Additionally, the armaments appear capable of being elevated independently of one another.
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