Hsiung Feng II
Encyclopedia
The Hsiung Feng II (雄風二型, "Brave Wind II") is an anti-ship missile
system developed by the Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology
in Taiwan
. The HF-2 is designed to be deployed aboard ships or at land-based facilities, an airborne version has also been developed which can be carried by the ROC Air Force's
F-CK fighters
. The HF-2 has ECCM capabilities and is deployed on the ROC Navy's
Cheng Kung class frigates
and Lafayette class frigates
, as well as at several land-based sites. In 2000, plans were announced to replace the HF-2 missiles stationed on the Cheng Kung frigates with the RGM-84 Harpoon, but the budget for this was cancelled.
In 2001 a land attack cruise missile variant known as the HF-2E was announced, mass production of the HF-2E began in 2005.
Air-launched version appeared in the early 90s. Carried by two AT-3B trainer/attacker and a single A-3 attacker, the small force poses little threat to the marine intruders due to its small quantity. However, the recent upgraded IDF (F-CK-1C/D) will add the capacity to carry and launch the HF-2, thus greatly enhance the air-to-surface capacity of RoCAF in future. The air launcher version of HF-2 carried by AT-3 is different than the one supposed carried by original IDF (F-CK-1A/B) prototype, due to differences in length of the HF-2 missile (better known as HF-2 Mark 3 and Mark 4), where the missile designed for one aircraft cannot fit on another aircraft. Unknown if air launched HF-2 program is continuing at this point.
The land-launch version of the HF-2 is the most secretive one, because its relation with the land-attack version of HF-2E. Fixed base versions were produced first, and all major outlying islands of Taiwan were equipped with fortified HF-2 bases in late 90s, replacing old HF-1 bases. Fixed HF-1 bases in the main island was also being replaced with fixed HF-2 launchers, again in fortified positions.
The mobile launcher version was accepted in 2005 and went to mass production in 2006. All mobile launchers, together with mobile command center (with data-link), mobile surface search radar and mobile electric generators, were kept in harden shelters and being driven out when needed. The HF-2 mobile launchers, shown in 10-10-2007 parade, was designed to be able to carry both HF-2 and the new HF-3 AShM, by leaving room for the larger HF-3 missile boxes. Same was done to the OH Perry/Cheng Kung class frigate's new HF-2 launchers after each frigate's major overhaul, starting 2001, that allows the launcher to carry larger HF-3 AShM, besides HF-2. Ching Chiang class patrol ship(total 12 built) also are undergoing same upgrade to carry 2x2 HF-2/3 anti-ship missiles. Kuang Hua VI class missile boat
(31 to be built, currently 19 in service) also carry 2x2 HF-2 anti-ship missile.
A submarine launched version was planned and designed in the mid-90s, but nothing more was heard. Selling of the UGM-84 by US in 2001 may probably terminate it. Not confirm of any sub launched version exist, nor US had sold any UGM-84 Harpoon to this date, or Taiwan has announced any purchase of sub Harpoon, or any sub launched HF-2, as of yet.
In mid-90s the fuel for HF-2 was changed, which doubled its range (80 km to 160 km). The IR seeker was also being changed to an IR imaging seeker, which greatly enhance the IRCCM ability. Also, with the IR imaging seeker, the HF-2 was then able to attack shore targets also, with pre-stored target shape inside missile's computer. But HF-2 land attack ability was never confirmed.
In the late 90s CSIST begin to develop the supersonic version of HF-2, which could accelerate to low supersonic speed (Mach 1.5) in final dash, thus increase its chance to kill the target. Development was rumored finished, and some older HF-2 was being replaced with the new supersonic HF-2. But this supersonic HF-2 version is believed to be a myth.
Some HF-2 batteries are located on Taiwan's outlying islands, with others fitted on naval vessels. These missiles have had their radars and IR seekers replaced with GPS guidance units and TV/IR seekers for terminal guidance. This is designed to serve as a deterrent to mainland China, and will continue to do so until CSIST completed development of the HF-2E. As with the above, however, the existence of a land-attack version of the HF-2 anti-ship missile is unconfirmed, and media reports claiming the new missiles have a range of between 1000 and 2000 miles have been dismissed by the Ministry of National Defense as "sheer fabrication[s]."
Anti-ship missile
Anti-ship missiles are guided missiles that are designed for use against ships and large boats. Most anti-ship missiles are of the sea-skimming type, many use a combination of inertial guidance and radar homing...
system developed by the Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology
Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology
The Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology is the primary research and development institution of the Republic of China Ministry of National Defense's Armaments Bureau and has been active in the development of various weapons systems and dual use technology. CSIST is also involved in...
in Taiwan
Taiwan
Taiwan , also known, especially in the past, as Formosa , is the largest island of the same-named island group of East Asia in the western Pacific Ocean and located off the southeastern coast of mainland China. The island forms over 99% of the current territory of the Republic of China following...
. The HF-2 is designed to be deployed aboard ships or at land-based facilities, an airborne version has also been developed which can be carried by the ROC Air Force's
Republic of China Air Force
The Republic of China Air Force is the aviation branch of the Republic of China Armed Forces. The ROCAF's primary mission is the defense of the airspace over and around Taiwan...
F-CK fighters
AIDC F-CK Indigenous Defence Fighter
The AIDC F-CK-1 Ching-kuo , commonly known as the Indigenous Defence Fighter ', is an air superiority jet fighter with multirole capability named after Chiang Ching-kuo, the late President of the Republic of China...
. The HF-2 has ECCM capabilities and is deployed on the ROC Navy's
Republic of China Navy
The Republic of China Navy is the maritime branch of the Armed forces of the Republic of China . The ROC Navy's primary mission is to defend ROC territories and the sea lanes that surround Taiwan against a blockade, attack, or possible invasion by forces of the People's Republic of China...
Cheng Kung class frigates
Cheng Kung class frigate
The Cheng Kung class frigates are based upon the U.S. Oliver Hazard Perry class and are currently serving in the Republic of China Navy...
and Lafayette class frigates
La Fayette class frigate
The La Fayette class units are light multi-mission frigates built by DCN and operated by French Marine Nationale...
, as well as at several land-based sites. In 2000, plans were announced to replace the HF-2 missiles stationed on the Cheng Kung frigates with the RGM-84 Harpoon, but the budget for this was cancelled.
In 2001 a land attack cruise missile variant known as the HF-2E was announced, mass production of the HF-2E began in 2005.
Versions
There are three major versions of HF-2 in service. The first to enter service is the ship-based HF-2, with 2 twin box launcher on destroyer DD-915 first as trial vessel. Later all major surface combatant in RoCN, except the Knox, were equipped with 2 quad-launchers, plus the 7 WWII era Gearing DDGs that was upgraded to WC3 standard, from late 1980s to mid 1990s, had added a 1 quad-launcher by mid 1990s to give those air defense ships an anti-surface ability.Air-launched version appeared in the early 90s. Carried by two AT-3B trainer/attacker and a single A-3 attacker, the small force poses little threat to the marine intruders due to its small quantity. However, the recent upgraded IDF (F-CK-1C/D) will add the capacity to carry and launch the HF-2, thus greatly enhance the air-to-surface capacity of RoCAF in future. The air launcher version of HF-2 carried by AT-3 is different than the one supposed carried by original IDF (F-CK-1A/B) prototype, due to differences in length of the HF-2 missile (better known as HF-2 Mark 3 and Mark 4), where the missile designed for one aircraft cannot fit on another aircraft. Unknown if air launched HF-2 program is continuing at this point.
The land-launch version of the HF-2 is the most secretive one, because its relation with the land-attack version of HF-2E. Fixed base versions were produced first, and all major outlying islands of Taiwan were equipped with fortified HF-2 bases in late 90s, replacing old HF-1 bases. Fixed HF-1 bases in the main island was also being replaced with fixed HF-2 launchers, again in fortified positions.
The mobile launcher version was accepted in 2005 and went to mass production in 2006. All mobile launchers, together with mobile command center (with data-link), mobile surface search radar and mobile electric generators, were kept in harden shelters and being driven out when needed. The HF-2 mobile launchers, shown in 10-10-2007 parade, was designed to be able to carry both HF-2 and the new HF-3 AShM, by leaving room for the larger HF-3 missile boxes. Same was done to the OH Perry/Cheng Kung class frigate's new HF-2 launchers after each frigate's major overhaul, starting 2001, that allows the launcher to carry larger HF-3 AShM, besides HF-2. Ching Chiang class patrol ship(total 12 built) also are undergoing same upgrade to carry 2x2 HF-2/3 anti-ship missiles. Kuang Hua VI class missile boat
Kuang Hua VI class missile boat
The Kuang Hua VI class missile boat is a new type of patrol craft entering service with the Republic of China Navy . The prototype was launched in 2003, and the whole class is scheduled to enter service by 2010.-Project history:...
(31 to be built, currently 19 in service) also carry 2x2 HF-2 anti-ship missile.
A submarine launched version was planned and designed in the mid-90s, but nothing more was heard. Selling of the UGM-84 by US in 2001 may probably terminate it. Not confirm of any sub launched version exist, nor US had sold any UGM-84 Harpoon to this date, or Taiwan has announced any purchase of sub Harpoon, or any sub launched HF-2, as of yet.
Future Development
Although the next generation supersonic SSM, the HF-3, has recently completed its development and will start production soon, the development of the HF-2 continues.In mid-90s the fuel for HF-2 was changed, which doubled its range (80 km to 160 km). The IR seeker was also being changed to an IR imaging seeker, which greatly enhance the IRCCM ability. Also, with the IR imaging seeker, the HF-2 was then able to attack shore targets also, with pre-stored target shape inside missile's computer. But HF-2 land attack ability was never confirmed.
In the late 90s CSIST begin to develop the supersonic version of HF-2, which could accelerate to low supersonic speed (Mach 1.5) in final dash, thus increase its chance to kill the target. Development was rumored finished, and some older HF-2 was being replaced with the new supersonic HF-2. But this supersonic HF-2 version is believed to be a myth.
Some HF-2 batteries are located on Taiwan's outlying islands, with others fitted on naval vessels. These missiles have had their radars and IR seekers replaced with GPS guidance units and TV/IR seekers for terminal guidance. This is designed to serve as a deterrent to mainland China, and will continue to do so until CSIST completed development of the HF-2E. As with the above, however, the existence of a land-attack version of the HF-2 anti-ship missile is unconfirmed, and media reports claiming the new missiles have a range of between 1000 and 2000 miles have been dismissed by the Ministry of National Defense as "sheer fabrication[s]."
General characteristics
- Primary Function: Anti-ship missileAnti-ship missileAnti-ship missiles are guided missiles that are designed for use against ships and large boats. Most anti-ship missiles are of the sea-skimming type, many use a combination of inertial guidance and radar homing...
, some prototypes land attack cruise missileCruise missileA cruise missile is a guided missile that carries an explosive payload and is propelled, usually by a jet engine, towards a land-based or sea-based target. Cruise missiles are designed to deliver a large warhead over long distances with high accuracy...
s - Power Plant: Solid propellant booster, turbojet in-flight
- Range: 160 km (antiship)
- Top Speed: 0.85 Mach
- Weight: 685 kg
- Length: 4.8 m
- Diameter: 40 cm
- Warhead: 180 kg high explosive warhead plus advanced technology self-forging fragmentation
- Guidance: Inertial guidance midflight, terminal active homing with dual RF and IR imaging seekers
- Date Deployed: Early 1990s