The HQ17 SAM vehicle has arrived at the end of the Chinese ground forces research tree in a group with the Tor-M1.
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HQ17: An SPAA (SAM) for China at Rank VIII[/h2]
At a glance:
- Increased missile launch range and guidance time.
- Thermal imager.
- Capable of tracking and hitting two targets simultaneously.
- Barely any protection.
Vehicle History[expand]
In the 1990s, China purchased the Tor-M1 anti-aircraft missile system from Russia. However, a number of shortcomings were revealed during its operation, including difficulties in conducting combat operations at night since it lacked a night vision device. In 2005, the Chinese government decided to develop a new air defense system, the HQ17. It was based on the Tor-M1 but had improved functionality. Development lasted 10 years and was completed in 2015. The HQ17 series of air defense systems are currently in service with the PLA as the main medium-range air defense system.
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[h2]Introducing the HQ17![/h2]
Today we’d like to talk about the HQ17, added to the Chinese ground forces tree this week in the Storm Warning major update, in a group with the Tor-M1. Despite the external similarities, the HQ17, which was developed entirely in China offers several improvements. Let’s take a look!
The HQ17 certainly looks familiar — that’s because it’s based on the Russian Tor-M1 SAM vehicle that’s already present in the game, but improved to meet the needs of the PLA. The HQ17 features a thermal imager, significantly helping when identifying and tracking targets in poor weather conditions or darkness. It also features a modernized missile! This new missile has a greater launch range and guidance time compared to the 9M331 missile found on the Tor-M1.
Important note from us: In the research tree, the HQ17 and Tor-M1 have been put into a group together.
In addition to the above, the HQ17 has a new phased array target acquisition radar with greater range, pattern and scanning angle. Much like the Tor-M1, it has the ability to track and fire at two targets simultaneously or guide two missiles to a single target.
Generally, the playstyle of the HQ17 is similar to the Tor-M1. Obviously the main and only role is to engage aircraft as it is unwise to fire the missiles at ground vehicles. With the radar deployed, the HQ17 can quite easily be spotted and as it only has bulletproof armor, so tactical positioning is vital. This vehicle is effective against all types of aircraft, with the ability to fire two missiles at a target at once being especially valuable. Keep in mind when playing the HQ17 that it can only carry 8 missiles in total.
That’s it for this dev blog! The HQ17 is already available to unlock as part of the Storm Warning major update. Give it a try, and have some fun!
