KD-88 air-to-surface missile
The KD-88 is a medium-range air-to-surface missile developed by the relevant Chinese units on the basis of the domestic YJ-83 anti-ship missile. The radar guidance system of the original YJ-83 anti-ship missile should be replaced by a TV guidance system. The missile can be carried out by a data link and a carrier. For data exchange, the pilot can see the image returned by the warhead camera through the cockpit screen, and select the target or attack the weak part of the target accordingly. The missile has a range of more than 200 kilometers. The KD-88 has been technically upgraded and replaced the original TV with an infrared imaging guidance system. The identification feature of the guidance system is that the front transparent fairing is replaced by a non-transparent fairing. This missile is not only equipped on the J-16, but also on the JH-7A, H-6K, and J-10C fighters. It is the main force of the Chinese Air Force’s offensive attack missiles.
Judging from the range of KD-88 exceeding 200 kilometers, this indicator has exceeded the range of S-300 and Patriot air defense missiles. For example, the range of S-300PMU-1 is about 150 kilometers, which means that the J-16 can be within the range of the opponent's air defense missile. Attacks from outside, using the excellent performance of the infrared imaging guidance system to attack the opponent's small, point targets under the cover of severe weather conditions day and night, thereby enhancing the F-16 fighter-bomber ground attack capability and significantly improving battlefield survivability.
However, air-to-surface missiles such as KD-88 are already a yellow flower of tomorrow. Its shortcomings are mainly reflected in the low stealth performance. It still retains the YJ-83 cylindrical body, which is easy to be detected by the opponent’s radar. The internal space of the cylindrical body is irregular. , It is difficult to achieve modularity, it is difficult to replace warheads, it is difficult to deal with different targets, and the flexibility of use is poor. Therefore, the US Air Force has eliminated such weapons and replaced them with stealth attack missiles such as JSOW and JASSM.
