OVERVIEW:  The HQ-9A  is a two stage, solid fuel, long-range, Track via Missile (TVM) guided  surface-to-air missile.  It has a 180 kg warhead utilizing a RF proximity or impact fuze and a 35 meter effective blast range.

DETAILS: The HQ-9 is a derivative of the S-300 / 5V55 missile but employing newer computing technology.    

It uses multiple guidance schemes.  For the initial phase of flight, it relies on inertial guidance, switching to radio command for mid-course correction.  In the terminal phase, it switches to Track via Missile guidance.  In this mode, the HQ-9 missile's seeker target data is transmitted to the ground control station via downlink and where trajectory corrections are calculated and transmitted back to the HQ-9 missile via an uplink.  The HQ-9 has thrust vector control, giving it increased maneuverability and accuracy.  Unlike the earlier HQ-9A, the -9B also incorporates an additional IR seeker for additional targeting accuracy.

The HQ-9 is capable of intercepting short-range ballistic missiles with a range of up to 600 km, cruise missiles, air-to-surface missiles, aircraft, helicopters and UAVs.

Specifications:
 
Weight: 		1300 kg (approx, based on FT-2000)
Length: 		6.8 m (approx, based on FT-2000)
Diameter: 		700 mm (1st stage); 560  mm (2nd stage)
Wingspan: 		 ?? m 
Speed:			  Mach 4.2  2800 knts; 
Range:			 ??-135 nm;  250 km 
Engagement Altitude:	 ??-30,000 m   
Reload time:		 ?? seconds 
Max target speed: 	?? knots 
Kill probability:	0.9 (single missile v. fighter-type aircraft) 0.3 ( v.ballistic missile)
Maneuverability:	22 g (est)	


NOTES:  IOC 2008 (approx).  The HQ-9 series is the backbone of the Chinese missile defense program., filling the role of medium-long range defense in Chinese aerial defense systems, though in recent years it has been replaced by the HQ-18.  FT-2000 is the export version.


SOURCES: Jane's Land Warfare Platforms: Artillery & Air Defense, "HQ-9/FT-2000" 28 December 2016;  Administrator. "HQ-9 Ground-to-air Medium Range Air Defense Missile System Data | China Chinese Army Missile Systems Vehicles | Chinese China Army Military Equipment Armoured UK." Defense News Security Global Military Army Equipment Technology Industry - Army Recognition. Last modified April 14, 2021. https://www.armyrecognition.com/china_chinese_army_missile_systems_vehicles/hq-9_ground-to-air_medium_range_air_defense_missile_technical_data_sheet_specifications_pictures.html ; "HQ-9 Long-Range Air Defense Missile System | Military-Today.com." MILITARY TODAY - Everything About Modern Warfare. Accessed July 10, 2022. https://www.military-today.com/missiles/hq9.htm ; "Ancile." Ancile. Accessed July 10, 2022. https://www.deagel.com/Artillery%20Systems/HQ-9/a001834 ; "Anti-aircraft Missile System HQ-9 (FD-2000)." Missilery.info | Missile Database. Descriptions and Specifications. Accessed July 10, 2022. https://en.missilery.info/missile/hq-9 ; "HQ-9 – Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance." Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance – Making the World a Safer Place. Accessed July 10, 2022. https://missiledefenseadvocacy.org/missile-threat-and-proliferation/todays-missile-threat/china/china-anti-access-area-denial/hq-9/.