The Hongjian-12 (Chinese: 红箭-12; pinyin: Hóng Jiàn-12; lit. 'Red Arrow-12') is a third generation, man-portable, fire-and-forget infrared homing anti-tank missile of China. It was unveiled at the Eurosatory 2014 exhibition.[4]
| HJ-12 | |
|---|---|
 Red Arrow-12 mockup at IDEX 2017 | |
| Type | Anti-tank missile |
| Place of origin | China |
| Service history | |
| Used by | See § Users |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Norinco |
| Unit cost | $18,000 (missile: $7,000)[1] |
| Produced | 2014–present |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 22 kg (49 lb) (carry weight) 17 kg (37 lb) (missile) 5 kg (11 lb) (IIR/EO _targeting sight)[2] |
| Length | Missile: 0.98 m (3.2 ft) Launch tube: 1.2 m (3.9 ft) |
| Diameter | Missile: 13.5 cm (5.3 in) Launch tube: 17 cm (6.7 in) |
| Effective firing range | 4,000 m (2.5 mi) (daytime)[2] 2,000 m (1.2 mi) (nighttime)[2] |
| Warhead | Tandem shaped charge HEAT |
Detonation mechanism | Impact force |
| Engine | Solid fuel rocket |
Guidance system | Infrared homing, TV imaging |
| References | [3] |
History
editThe missile was first showcased on the Eurosatory 2014 exhibition.[4] Subsequent modifications and improvements were showcased in the following exhibitions. At Airshow China 2016, China North Industries Corporation (Norinco) unveiled HJ-12E, the export variant with new control fins and rocket motors.[5]
On 25 March 2020, Norinco announced its first successful export order to an unknown country.[6]
In July 2021, the HJ-12 was incorporated into People's Liberation Army Ground Force service.[7] The PLA service version is likely based on the latest HJ-12E variant.[5]
Design
edit
The HJ-12 is a modern, third generation anti-tank missile developed by Norinco. The HJ-12 is a fire-and-forget system utilising lock-on before launch (LOBL) and is capable of being fired within buildings and bunkers due to its soft launch system. Once launched, it will home autonomously onto its _target, allowing the operator to immediately take cover or reload to engage another _target. Its fire-and-forget technology will reduce the number of anti-tank operators needed on a battlefield. The missile is capable of day/night all-weather operation with its infrared homing, TV imaging dual-mode seeker.[8][3] The warhead uses a tandem shaped charge design with an estimated penetration capability of up to 1,100 mm (43 in) of rolled homogeneous armour (RHA) after penetrating explosive reactive armour.[4] The guided missile is capable of engaging armoured vehicles, fortifications, helicopters and boats.[9] When facing non-armoured point _targets, bunkers and fortifications, the missile can be fitted with either high-explosive or thermal effect warheads. When engaging enemy tanks and armoured vehicles, the HJ-12 aims to destroy the top of its _targets, the more vulnerable point.[8]
The HJ-12 is China's first portable anti-tank missile, increasing the ability of the People's Liberation Army Ground Force to have more modern and mobile infantry forces. It is intended to enable China to match up with anti-tank missile developments made by Western defence companies, like the FGM-148 Javelin and Spike.[8][3] The missile is also available for export to armies in developing countries that would need to contend with third-generation main battle tanks, but the number of potential buyers is likely small due to its higher cost.[10]
Variants
edit- HJ-12
- Base variant, first unveiled in Airshow China 2014.
- HJ-12E
- Export designation for HJ-12[11]
Users
edit
See also
edit- Red Arrow development
- HJ-8 – wire-guided anti-tank missile system
- HJ-9 – beam-riding anti-tank missile system
- HJ-10 – fiber-optic wire-guided anti-tank missile system
- Comparable systems
- Akeron MP – (France)
- AT-1K Raybolt – (South Korea)
- FGM-148 Javelin – (United States)
- NLAW – (Sweden, United Kingdom)
- OMTAS – (Turkey)
- Spike – (Israel)
- Type 01 LMAT – (Japan)
- Related lists
References
edit- ^ "China Unveils Red Arrow-12 Anti-Tank Missile System". Al Jundi Journal. Ministry of Defence of the United Arab Emirates. 1 November 2023. Archived from the original on 28 May 2024.
- ^ a b c Lin, Jeffrey; Singer, P. W. (10 July 2014). "For Sale: A New Chinese Tank-Killer?". Popular Science. Retrieved 10 June 2022.
- ^ a b c "HJ-12 Red Arrow 12 Fire-and-Forget multipurpose missile". Army Recognition. 31 July 2020. Retrieved 10 June 2022.
- ^ a b c "Defense Industry of China unveils Red Arrow 12 HJ-12 man-portable fire-and-forget anti-tank missile". Army Recognition. 9 July 2014. Archived from the original on 22 July 2014. Retrieved 9 July 2014.
- ^ a b "红箭12还未大量普及？专克西方三代坦克软肋，无奈HJ73存货太多了". NetEase News (in Chinese). 4 August 2021. Retrieved 10 June 2022.
- ^ Arthur, Gordon (30 March 2020). "China exports first HJ-12 ATGMs". Shephard Media. Retrieved 10 June 2022.
- ^ a b "Chinese Army man-portable HJ-12 antitank missile inducted in Tibet". Army Recognition. 26 July 2021. Retrieved 10 June 2022.
- ^ a b c "China unveils man portable copy of the Israeli Spike and US Javelin missile". Defense Update. 13 November 2014. Retrieved 10 June 2022.
- ^ "HJ-12". Military-Today.com. Retrieved 10 June 2022.
- ^ "Anti-tank weapon to bolster PLA capability". Army Recognition. 26 August 2014. Retrieved 10 June 2022.
- ^ "China's Norinco announces first export of HJ-12E ATGW system". Janes. 31 March 2020. Retrieved 10 June 2022.
- ^ Dominguez, Gabriel; Kotlarski, Amael (26 July 2021). "Image suggests HJ-12 ATGW is in service with PLA's Tibet Military Command". Janes. Retrieved 10 June 2022.
- ^ "China delivers HJ-12 Red Arrow anti-tank guided missile weapon systems to Algeria". Army Recognition. 31 July 2020. Retrieved 25 January 2022.
- ^ "Trade Registers". sipri.org. Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. Archived from the original on 5 August 2009. Retrieved 30 January 2022.
- ^ "PT. Pindad (Persero) - PT PINDAD TANDATANGANI MOU DENGAN NORINCO TERKAIT ATGM". pindad.com. Retrieved 8 November 2022.
- ^ "China exports first HJ-12 ATGM to Nigeria". Global Defense Corp. 9 April 2020. Retrieved 10 June 2022.
External links
edit