To date, several countries have developed anti-tank missile systems, the so-called. third generation - systems that use the "fire and forget" principle. Several years ago, China presented its development of this kind. ATGM HJ-12 developed by the NORINCO corporation was adopted by the PLA, and is also shipped to foreign customers.
Red arrow-12
In July 2014, at the French Eurosatory exhibition, the Chinese corporation first showed the layout of the promising HJ-12 or Hongjian-12 ATGM (Red Arrow-12); export name HJ-12E or Red Arrow 12. It was the first actual third generation system built in China. Subsequently, the HJ-12 was repeatedly demonstrated at various exhibitions.
According to official data, "Hongzian-12" is a multipurpose missile system capable of striking enemy armored vehicles. When developing the complex, the main modern trends observed in foreign projects were taken into account. ATGM is made as compact and lightweight as possible, which allows you to launch from the shoulder. The target is locked before launch; the principle of "fire and forget" is implemented.
The promising Chinese ATGM with its characteristic capabilities was quickly called an analogue and competitor of a number of advanced foreign systems. First of all, the HJ-12 was compared with the American FGM-148 Javelin ATGM. They also recalled the portable versions of the Israeli Spike. The declared characteristics showed that the Chinese complex is, at least, not worse than foreign samples.
Technical features
In terms of its general architecture, the HJ-12 ATGM is similar to some foreign developments. The complex in a combat position consists of a transport and launch container with a guided missile and an apparatus unit responsible for searching for targets and entering data into the missile. The total length of the ATGM is 1, 2 m, weight - 22 kg. Due to its low weight and dimensions, the complex can be used without a machine, from the shoulder.
The launch control is carried out using an aiming device attached to the TPK. On the front wall of this unit there is a large lens for day and night optics; the eyepiece is located behind. A laser rangefinder is provided. Using such devices, the operator has the ability to inspect the terrain at any time of the day, search for targets, capture them and then launch the rocket.
The missile of the HJ-12 complex has a length of 980 mm with a diameter of 135 mm. It is carried out in a cylindrical body with a transparent hemispherical head fairing. In the center and tail of the hull there are folding wings and rudders. The starting weight of the product is 17 kg.
The missile is supplied in a disposable composite TPK with connectors for connecting to a sighting device. A strap and handle are provided for easy portability. At the ends there are large protective washers made of soft material. After the shot, the container is removed from the control unit, and a new one is put in its place.
ATGM complex has a traditional layout for such weapons. The homing head is placed in the head compartment. A tandem cumulative warhead is placed behind it. The tail compartment is given over to a solid-fuel engine with side nozzles and steering gears.
The HJ-12 uses an infrared seeker. Before launch, the aiming equipment of the complex sends data about the target to the seeker and the autopilot, after which it is captured. The flight to the target takes place in a completely autonomous mode. In the final section of the trajectory, the missile performs a vertical maneuver to hit the target from the upper hemisphere, into the least protected projection.
The tandem warhead, according to the manufacturer, provides penetration of up to 1100 mm of homogeneous armor. The presence of a leading charge allows you to hit armored vehicles equipped with dynamic protection. A powerful warhead and a specific flight profile can dramatically increase the likelihood of successful defeat and destruction of the selected target.
The rocket leaves the TPK with a light launch charge. Thanks to this, it is argued, the ATGM can be used not only in open areas, but also from premises. At a distance of several meters from the launcher, the rocket includes a sustainer solid-propellant engine. The maximum firing range is 4 km. In the dark, the firing range is limited by the characteristics of the optics and is halved.
Against the background of competitors
Within the framework of the Hongjian-12 project, Chinese specialists for the first time managed to create and bring to production a modern ATGM system that meets the requirements for the latest generation and shows fairly high characteristics. The new complex has significant advantages over other Chinese-developed systems and can, at least, successfully complement them.
Since the first demonstration, the HJ-12 complex has been compared with leading foreign models, and such assessments of capabilities are of great interest. According to its "tabular" characteristics, the Chinese ATGM is not inferior to foreign developments or even surpasses them.
The first third-generation ATGM for shoulder firing was the American FGM-148 Javelin. In terms of its dimensions, it almost does not differ from the HJ-12, although it is slightly heavier. The Javelina missile is slightly longer and has a smaller caliber. The launch range with standard instruments is comparable - 4 km each. At the same time, for the FGM-148, the penetration of at least 750 mm of armor behind the DZ is declared - significantly less than that of the "Red Arrow".
In the Israeli Spike family, the Spike-LR complexes of two modifications can be considered a competitor to the HJ-12. The Spike-LR rocket weighs 14 kg, but the combat-ready complex has a mass of almost 45 kg and is used with a tripod machine. Flight range - 4 km, penetration - 700 mm. The Spike-LR missile can operate on a fire-and-forget scheme, but it has an auxiliary communication channel with the operator, which gives certain advantages.
In 2018, the Israeli army received the first Spike-LR II anti-tank systems. They are characterized by reduced weight and improved performance. In particular, a rocket weighing less than 13 kg now flies 5.5 km. Warhead penetration increased to 1000 mm. All other advantages of the predecessor are retained.
Thus, the new Chinese ATGM "Hongjian-12" looks quite interesting and promising development. However, some foreign samples from market leaders are already bypassing it in all basic characteristics.
For your own and someone else's army
The HJ-12 ATGM was first shown in 2014, and since then it has regularly appeared at various exhibitions. There was information about the upcoming deliveries of such weapons to the People's Liberation Army of China. Its export version Red Arrow 12 / HJ-12E was waiting for its foreign customer.
According to some reports, "Hongjian-12" has already been adopted by the PLA, went into series and is supplied to the troops. The volumes of such supplies, the cost and the peculiarities of the distribution in the troops remain unknown. We can only assume that the promising HJ-12 products are not yet the most massive and, in this respect, only complement the ATGMs of previous models.
At the end of March, NORINCO Corporation announced the shipment of the first batch of HJ-12E export complexes. The number and cost of the delivered systems are not specified. They also did not name a specific customer, but noted that this country is currently in dire need of anti-tank missiles. Despite the holidays and the epidemic at the beginning of the year, the manufacturer not only fully fulfilled the order, but also shipped the products ahead of schedule.
Thus, one of the main participants in the international market for anti-tank missile systems is not only expanding its product range, but also finding customers for systems of the current third generation. It can be expected that NORINCO will receive and fulfill new orders for the HJ-12 in the near future, and this will strengthen its position in the market. However, even after that, the Hongjian-12 complex will have to face tough competition.
