Polygon-Shaped Chinese Standoff Weapon Reduces Radar Signature

China teased its air launch munition capabilities at the recent Zhuhai Airshow, and this included a never-before-seen standoff weapon, the AKF98A. The interesting polygon-shaped nose is designed to reduce radar cross signature. The design is intended to deflect radar waves in a way that does not reflect back to the emitting radar device. Aviationweek.com noted:  “Resembling the AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) and the AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW), the AKF98A was seen fitted on the Shenyang J-16D electronic warfare fighter and Xian JH-7A2 fighter-bomber. The weapon was observed with a jet exhaust, although an air scoop inlet was not seen, likely designed to be flushed to the missile’s base.” Watch a video on the Chinese air show here. Story and images courtesy of Aviationweek.com.