Demirkan-Yŏng'an DY-11
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| Demirkan-Yŏng'an DY-11 Galmaegi | |
|---|---|
| Role | carrier-based utility aircraft |
| National origin | Menghe |
| Manufacturer | Demirkan-Yŏng'an Aircraft Corporation |
| First flight | 2006 |
| Introduction | 2010 |
| Primary user | Menghean Navy |
| Produced | 2008-present |
| Number built | 27 |
The Demirkan-Yŏng'an DY-11 (Formal designation: 데밀칸 영안 11호 다목적 함재기 / 데밀칸永安一一號多目的艦載機, Demilkan Yŏng'an iril-ho damogjŏk hamjaegi, "Demirkan-Yŏng'an No.11 multipurpose carrier plane;" Short designation 데영 11호 Deyŏng iril-ho "DY-11"), officially nicknamed Galmaegi (갈매기, "Seagull"), is a carrier-based twin-engine utility aircraft developed in Menghe during the 2000s. It has dedicated variants for airborne early warning, anti-submarine warfare, aerial refueling, and carrier onboard delivery.
The DY-11 is included in the carrier air wings of Menghe's three Sibiwŏl Hyŏgmyŏng class aircraft carriers, though only in its ASW and AEW variants. Menghean COD aircraft are typically based from land ports and leave the carrier after dropping off supplies. Menghe also exports a land-based DS-11 family, which includes a low-cost anti-surface-warfare variant.
Development
Menghean interest in a subsonic, carrier-based ASW platform stretches back to at least the late 1970s, when the two Haebang-class carriers were under construction. The Yŏng'an Aircraft Design Bureau conducted several design studies, but by the launch of Haebang in 1982 no working prototype existed, and both carriers took on an air defense complement of DS-5HG fighters. The chaos of the 1980s further delayed design work, especially after Menghe's priorities shifted to shore-based attacks against Dayashina rather than blue-water force projection.
Interest in carrier-based utility aircraft resumed in 1996 when Menghe laid down its first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the Sibiwŏl Hyŏgmyŏng. The Menghean Navy's long-term operational requirement called for a single airframe which would serve ASW, AEW, tanker, and COD roles, with room for expansion to other duties.