Based on the Tupolev Tu-4 airframe, in 1967 China developed an AWACS platform to try and enable them to monitor US Atomic tests in the Pacific. Powered by four Ivchenko AI-20K turboprop engines, the project was named KJ-1 and had a Type 843 rotordome pylon mounted above the fuselage. Trials were unsuccessful as the equipment was too heavy and failed to meet PLAAF requirements, the project was cancelled in 1971.

By the end of WW2 several Boeing B-29s had to divert to Vladivostok during combat actions against Japan; they were never returned by the Russians. Instead Tupolev developed the Tu-4, which is seen here in an AEW version

This was one of the relatively few aircraft at Datangshan for which it was easy to get a nice side on shot. Nevertheless, I picked this one out as it shows off nicely the unusual lines of this magnificent aircraft. Note turboprops have replaced the piston engines present on the B-29 original.

An extraordinary machine by any standard. In 1967, China attempted to develop its first AEW platform based on the Tu-4 airframe with AI-20 turboprop engines. The project was named KJ-1, with a Type 843 rotor-dome on top. However, the equipment was too heavy and failed to meet PLAAF requirements so the project was cancelled in 1971