OVERVIEW: The HF‑18D is an unguided, 57 mm air-to-surface rocket pod system developed by China for light attack and training aircraft. It supports area suppression and close air support missions.

DETAILS: Each HF‑18D pod carries 11 57 mm rockets equipped with high-explosive fragmentation warheads (~1.38 kg each) and solid-fuel motors, achieving a maximum range of ~5 km. The rockets are spin-stabilized via built-in fins and electrically fired, allowing both single-shot and full-volley operations. Pod mounting includes wiring integration for aircraft fire-control and cockpit firing controls. Rockets are loaded in sealed pods for fast installation and replacement during ground operations.

The HF‑18D resembles the Russian S‑5 family but features Chinese-manufactured ordnance and pod systems, tailored to match PLAAF-standard 57 mm operational doctrine.

Pods are mounted on underwing hardpoints and used in conjunction with optical or radar-ranging systems for strafing and light munitions deployment.

NOTE:
IOC: 2010s
Operators: Zambia Air Force (HF‑18D seen on L‑15 Falcon trainers/attack jets)
Platforms: Hongdu L‑15 (export variants)
Conflict used in: No confirmed combat use

SOURCE:
defenceWeb “Public debut for Zambian L-15s” 23 Sep 2024