The HJ-9, HongJian-9 (Chinese: 红箭-9; pinyin: Hóng Jiàn-9; lit. 'Red Arrow-9'), military designation AFT-9,[2] is an advanced, third-generation, man-portable or vehicle-mounted anti-tank missile system deployed by the People's Liberation Army Ground Force.

Hong Jian (Red Arrow) - 9
A HJ-9 missile system mounted on a WZ550 4x4 vehicle.
Type	anti-tank and air-to-surface missiles
Place of origin	China
Service history
In service	1990s to present
Production history
Manufacturer	Norinco
Produced	Since 1990s
Specifications
Mass	37 kg
Length	1200 mm
Diameter	152 mm
Warhead	Tandem HEAT warhead, 1100-1200 mm penetration RHAe
Detonation mechanism	Contact fuse
Engine	rocket motor
Propellant	solid fuel
Operational range	100 – 5500 meters[1]
Guidance system	laser-beam-riding & MMW radar
Launch platform	Tripod WZ-550 NJ2046 Light utility vehicles Helicopters

History and development

The development of HJ-9 commenced in the early 1980s, with the development finished in the late 1990s. The weapon was officially unveiled to the public on a military parade in 1999.[3]

The missile was developed by China North Industries Corporation (Norinco), and one of the chief designers was Yang Chunming (杨春铭). It is externally similar in appearance to the Israeli MAPATS (man-portable anti-tank system) and South African ZT3 Ingwe anti-tank missile, however, no evidence is found between their potential technological link.[4]

Design

The HJ-9 has a maximum range of 5.5 km (3.4 mi), and a minimum range of 100 m (110 yd), guided by semi-automatic command to line of sight laser beam riding. Claimed armor penetration is 1,200mm, which is greater than the HJ-8. The missile may be fitted with high-explosive or thermal effect warheads against non-armored point targets, bunkers, and fortifications. Like the HJ-8, the HJ-9 utilizes a disposable container/launching tube, but the one for HJ-9 is heavier, weighing 37 kg (82 lb) due to HJ-9's large diameter of 152 mm (6.0 in). The missile is compatible with various thermal imaging sights and can be mounted on the AFT-9 Missile Carrier.[4][5]

In 2005, Norinco revealed HJ-9A in various public events. The HJ-9A was in service with the Chinese armed forces as of 2005. Unlike HJ-9, the newer system used semi-active millimeter wave radar guidance. The HJ-9A launcher was mostly observed being mounted on a tripod with an integrated radar system and was demonstrated by Norinco on a NJ2046 utility vehicle.[6] The HJ-9A can also be mounted on trucks, armored personnel carriers, and other light utility vehicles.

Norinco also revealed a further-developed version of the HJ-9A with laser guidance, designated HJ-9B.[4]

Operators

•  China
  • People's Liberation Army Ground Force — 450 AFT-9 Missile Carrier estimated in service as of 2020.[7]

See also

• Anti-tank guided missile

Related development

• HJ-8 - wire-guided anti-tank missile system
• HJ-10 - fiber-optic wire-guided anti-tank missile system
• HJ-12 - man-portable infrared-homing anti-tank missile system

Missiles of comparable design

• MAPATS
• ZT3 Ingwe
• 9M133 Kornet

References

• HJ-9 ATM
• (JIW) Jones, Richard D. and Ness, Leland (eds.), Jane's Infantry Weapons 2007-2008, Coulsdon: Jane's Information Group Ltd., 2007.
• (JAA) Foss, Christopher F. (ed.), Jane's Armour and Artillery 2007-2008, London: Jane's Publishing Company Ltd., 2008.