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HJ-73



Overview


HJ-73

Original Chinese HJ-73 with MCLOS guidance.
Source: www.sinodefence.com - © copyright lies with original owner

Origin
China
Type
Man portable anti-tank missile
Entered service
1979
Status
In service
Development
1970's
Developer
China
Production
1979 - present
Producer
China
Number produced
Produced in large numbers
Designations
HJ-73 / HongJian 73
AFT07D (modern PLA designation for HJ-73D)
Notable users
China

Description


Introduction

The HJ-73 is an anti-tank missile of Chinese origin. While the first model was a direct copy of the Soviet 9M14M Malyutka anti-tank missile, subsequently new models were developed in China. Although considered obsolete, it remains in widespread use while it is cheap and simple to use compared to modern anti-tank guided weapons.

Design

The HJ-73 started out as a direct copy of the Soviet 9M14M and its associated 9S415 control box. Improved models incorporate some technology from the HJ-8 design program.

Firepower

Early model HJ-73 were a direct copy of the Soviet 9M14M. These suffer from the same drawbacks, such as 400mm penetration and MCLOS guidance. The HJ-73 was continuously improved, but is not as potent as the latest Serbian models. SACLOS guidance became available from the HJ-73B onward. All HJ-73 models have a maximum range of 3 km.

Platforms

The HJ-73 is used from either a manpack launcher or a vehicle installation. Early model manpack launchers were a direct copy of the Soviet control box. Later a domestic SACLOS control station was developed. Recently a lot of modern Chinese vehicles have been fitted with HJ-73C on either side of the turret.

Users

The HJ-73 saw widespread service in China and as exported to various nations with close ties to China. In the anti-tank role the HJ-73 was replaced by more modern Chinese anti-tank guided missiles. Recently various modern armored vehicles in Chinese service have been fitted HJ-73C on either side of the turret. These are not the dedicated tank destroyer vehicles, but infantry fighting vehicles that are likely to encounter non-MBT armored vehicles on the battlefield.

Variants


HJ-73B

Chinese HJ-73B with both MCLOS and SACLOS guidance systems alongside.
Source: www.sinodefence.com - © copyright lies with original owner

Variants of the HJ-73 anti-tank missile

HJ-73
Original HJ-73 introduced in 1979. Direct copy of Soviet 9M14M with MCLOS guidance.
HJ-73B
SACLOS version of original HJ-73 using components developed for HJ-8. The control box differs from the Soviet SACLOS control box. This version has a selectable MCLOS mode for short range targets and for backward compatibility with MCLOS launch posts.
HJ-73C
SACLOS only version with extended nose probe for stand-off detonation with increased effectiveness against ERA.
HJ-73D
HJ-73C with tandem HEAT warhead for increased effectiveness against ERA. Can be identified by small fins on nose probe.

Details


Facts HJ-73 HJ-73C
General
Origin
China
Type
Anti-tank guided missile
Dimensions
Weight
10.9 kg
Diameter
0.12 m
Wingspan
0.39 m
Length
0.86 m (estimate)
Guidance
Method
Wire guided
Operating mode
MCLOS
Warhead
Type
HEAT
Weight
2.6 kg
Penetration
400 mm RHA
Propulsion
Engine
Single-stage solid propellant rocket motor
Range
3 km maximum
0.5 km minimum
Max speed
115 m/s

Media


Launch platforms


ZBD05

The ZBD05 is a modern amphibious infantry fighting vehicle. A HJ-73 missile is fitted on a launch rail on either side of the turret and are controlled from within the vehicle.

ZBD03

The ZBD03 is a lightweight infantry combat vehicle for airborne forces. Its turret has a single roof mounted launch rail for a HJ-73 anti-tank missile.

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The HJ-73 started out as a direct copy of the Soviet 9M14M Malyutka-M missile with MCLOS guidance.