The FT-3A (Fei Teng , meaning “Soar” or “SkyRocket”) is a precision-guided munition (PGM) belonging to China’s extensive FT series. It is characterized by its 250 kg (550 lb) warhead and is designed to provide a reliable and accurate strike capability against a wide range of fixed targets.
Key Characteristics and Capabilities:
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Guidance System: The FT-3A utilizes a GPS/INS (Global Positioning System/Inertial Navigation System) guidance kit. This provides all-weather, day-and-night capability to strike pre-programmed coordinates with high accuracy. Its Circular Error Probable (CEP) is estimated to be within 10-15 meters, making it effective against area targets and large structures.
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It’s highly likely that more advanced variants or kits could incorporate a semi-active laser (SAL) seeker for terminal guidance, allowing for engagement of moving targets or for increased precision against specific points.
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Warhead: It is designed around a standard 250 kg (550 lb) high-explosive general-purpose bomb warhead. This is a versatile and powerful warhead size capable of destroying hardened targets like bunkers, buildings, bridges, and port facilities.
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Range: As a glide bomb, it features pop-out fins that provide lift. Its effective range is estimated to be around 20-25 kilometers (12-15 miles) when released from medium to high altitude. This provides a basic level of stand-off capability, keeping the launch aircraft safer than with unguided bombs.
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Launch Platform: It is integrated on a wide variety of Chinese tactical aircraft, including:
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Xian JH-7/A Flying Leopard: A dedicated long-range fighter-bomber.
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Shenyang J-11, J-16: Heavy multirole fighters.
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Chengdu J-10: Lighter multirole fighter.
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Comparison with Similar Weapons:
The FT-3A fits into the crucial 250kg/500lb class, which is the workhorse weight for general-purpose bombing. The “A” suffix often denotes an improved variant.
| Feature | Chinese FT-3A | Chinese FT-6 (Range-Extended) | US GBU-38 JDAM (500lb) | Chinese LS-6-500 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Precision Guided Glide Bomb | Long-Range Glide Bomb | Precision Guided Glide Bomb | Precision Guided Glide Bomb |
| Warhead | 250 kg (550 lb) | 250 kg (550 lb) | ~250 kg (550 lb) | 250 kg (550 lb) |
| Guidance | GPS/INS | GPS/INS | GPS/INS | GPS/INS |
| Key Feature | Balanced Accuracy & Power | Very Long Range (60-90km) | Cost-Effective Standard PGM | Similar to JDAM |
| Range | Medium (~20 km) | Long (60-90 km) | Medium (~15 km) | Medium (~20 km) |
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vs. the FT-6: This is a key distinction. The FT-3A is a standard-range precision bomb, similar to a US JDAM. The FT-6 is specifically designed as a “range-extended” glide bomb with much larger wings for significantly greater stand-off distance. The FT-6 prioritizes aircraft survivability against advanced air defenses, while the FT-3A is for use in less contested environments or for shorter-range missions.
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vs. a JDAM: The FT-3A is the Chinese equivalent of the US GBU-38 JDAM. They are nearly identical in concept, function, and purpose: a cost-effective kit that turns a dumb 500lb bomb into a all-weather smart bomb. Their performance and accuracy are comparable.
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vs. the LS-6-500: The LS-6 is another Chinese family of glide bombs (often called “Thunder Stone”). The LS-6-500 is a direct competitor to the FT-3A, fulfilling the same role. The differences are likely in the specific manufacturer (aviation vs. aerospace industry) and minor technical details.
Strategic Significance:
The FT-3A is significant because it:
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Forms the Backbone of Precision Strike: It represents the standard, workhorse precision bomb for the PLAAF, providing a massive upgrade over unguided iron bombs. It allows for the efficient and accurate destruction of most fixed tactical targets.
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Is Cost-Effective: Like the JDAM, it is a relatively inexpensive way to create a massive stockpile of precision-guided munitions by converting existing dumb bombs.
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Enables All-Weather Operations: Its GPS/INS guidance means missions are not canceled due to poor visibility, a critical advantage over purely laser-guided weapons.
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Provides Foundational Capability: The widespread deployment of weapons like the FT-3A is the baseline upon which more specialized capabilities (like the long-range FT-6 or the small-diameter FT-9) are built.
In summary, the FT-3A is a standard-range, 250 kg precision glide bomb kit that serves as the Chinese equivalent of the US JDAM. It is the fundamental, mass-produced precision strike weapon for the PLAAF, designed to provide accurate and reliable effects against a wide array of fixed targets at a relatively low cost.
