HHQ-7
NATO: CSA-N-4 | Export: FM-90N
Overview
HHQ-7
HHQ-7 octuple launch unit on a Type-051B (NATO: Luhai) class destroyer.
Source: Megapixie -
© Public domain
Chinese for "naval red banner 7"
CSA-N-4 (NATO reporting name)
FM-90N (export designation)
Description
Introduction
The HHQ-7 is a naval SAM system of Chinese origin. It is an adaptation of the French Crotale Naval. It was acquired since the domestic HQ-61 proved to be unreliable and had poor performance. The HHQ-7 was the first effective short range naval SAM system in Chinese service.
Design
The HHQ-7 is derived from the French Crotale Naval system, which China had acquired in small numbers. The Chinese system is not a direct copy, since it uses a different launcher design and the fire control radar is an a separate mount. A pop-up reloading facility is mounted behind the distinctive octuple launcher.
Fire control
Targets for the HHQ-7 are acquired by the ship's air search radar. On many Chinese vessels armed with the HHQ-7 this is the Type 360 radar. The missiles launched by the HHQ-7 use semi-active radar guidance, requiring the target to be illuminated by a fire control radar. The Type 345 fire control radar is operated via the ship's combat data management system. A TV channel allows for manual back-up, in which case an operator uses a joystick to train the fire control radar onto target.
Firepower
The HHQ-7 has a maximum range of 12 km and altitude of 5 km. Using the improved missiles associated with the HHQ-7B system the range and altitude increase to 15 km and 6 km respectively. Minimum engagement range is 700 meters. Against subsonic sea skimming targets the effective range is quoted as 6.5 km. Response time of the system is 6 to 10 seconds. Chinese sources suggest a probability to hit of 70%.
Platforms
The HHQ-7 was used to arm several classes of Chinese frigates and destroyers in the 1990's. Some older destroyers had their aft turrets replaced by a HHQ-7 system. In newly built frigates and destroyers the HHQ-7 is located on the bow, between the main gun and the bridge.
Evaluation
The HHQ-7 was the first naval SAM system in Chinese service providing a credible and reliable air defense capability. A major downside of the system is that only a single target can be engaged at a time. Also, the limited range makes it more of a point defense than area defense system. For those reasons more capable Russian and domestic naval SAM systems are used on designs from the mid 2000's onward.
System composition
HQ-7 surface to air missile
The HHQ-7 system uses the same missiles as the land based HQ-7 system. These missiles use semi-active radar homing guidance and feature a proximity fuse.
HHQ-7 launcher
The Chinese HHQ-7 launcher differs significantly from the French Crotale Naval. The Chinese naval launcher has no illumination radar.
Type 345 fire control radar
The Type 345 fire control radar is used to illuminate the target. This is a separate installation on Chinese vessels, and not integrated with the launcher. A TV channel allows for back-up manual command of the illumination radar.
Media
HHQ-7
HHQ-7 naval SAM system on a Type-052 (NATO: Luhu) class destroyer.
Source: US Navy
Copyright: Public domain
HHQ-7
A missile being launched from a HHQ-7 naval SAM system on a Type-053H3 (NATO: Jiangwei II) class frigate in 2011.
Source: Chinese internet
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
HHQ-7
HHQ-7 octuple launcher being reloaded using the pop-up reloading station located behind the launcher.
Source: Chinese internet
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
Platforms
(note: incomplete list)
Type-053H3 class frigate
The most numerous class of ships fitted with the HHQ-7 naval SAM system. A follow-up to the less successful Type-053H2G that used the HQ-61 naval SAM system.
Type-052 class destroyer
The two Type-052 (NATO: Luhu) class destroyers were fitted with the HHQ-7 naval SAM system. Reportedly this was upgraded to a newer standard during the 2011 refits.
Type-051B class destroyer
The single Type-051B (NATO: Luhai) class destroyer is the largest vessel to be equipped with the HHQ-7 naval SAM system.
Type-054 class frigate
The two ships of the Type-054 (NATO: Jiangkai I) class of frigates were the final Chinese ships to be fitted with the HHQ-7 system. The improved Type-054A (NATO: Jiangkai II) class of frigates is armed with a VLS system for HHQ-16 missiles.
Related articles
HHQ-16
The HHQ-16 is a newer generation naval SAM system. It is launched from a vertical launch system and has a much longer effective range. Multiple targets can be engaged at the same time since it uses more smaller fire control radars.