[Pakistan]Chengdu F-7P Skybolt - The most capable early MiG-21

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[Pakistan]Chengdu F-7P Skybolt

Mianwali-DefenceTalk.com02 (1)

Intro:

The F-7P Skybolt is essentially an upgraded version of the Chinese J-7II, featuring improved missile options and countermeasures. While the current MiG-21F-13 and J-7II have respectable flight performance, their lack of flares and relatively unforgiving flight models make them difficult for newer players to enjoy. As a result, many players tend to skip these aircraft in favor of more forgiving models like the MiG-21SMT or MiG-21MF.

The F-7P retains the same airframe as the J-7II but can be equipped with AIM-9P or AIM-9L missiles instead of the PL-2s. Additionally, unlike the MiG-21SPS-K, the F-7P can carry both flares and chaff without sacrificing its gun armament, as it still uses the NR-30 30mm cannons.

If introduced into the game, the F-7P would serve as a well-balanced counterpart to the Russian and German MiG-21s. It would also provide more variety and depth to the early MiG-21 lineup, which has received relatively little attention in Air Realistic Battles (ARB). This addition could help bridge the gap between early model MiG-21s and later, more advanced variants—offering players an aircraft that is both accessible and competitive.

F-7_with_F-14_during_Inspired_alert

Background:

Although commonly believed to be a variant of the J-7II, the F-7P was actually developed from its improved successor, the J-7IIA. The J-7IIA featured upgraded avionics and fire-control systems (FCS) designed by Marconi (UK) and was visually distinguishable by a shortened pitot tube mounted on the upper right side of the nose. Its first flight occurred on March 7, 1983.

In the same year, Pakistan began evaluating the J-7IIA as a possible replacement for its aging F-6 fleet (export version of the J-6/MiG-19). Demonstrations were conducted both in China and in Pakistan throughout 1983–1984, including mock dogfights with Pakistani aircraft such as the F-6, A-5C, and Mirage 5.

Pakistan made several demands for improvements, resulting in a customized variant named J-7MP in China and F-7P in Pakistan. These upgrades included:

  • Martin-Baker ejection seats
  • Improved avionics and cockpit ergonomics
  • Additional cockpit mirrors
  • Compatibility with AIM-9P and AIM-9L missiles
  • Improved maintainability

The first order of 20 aircraft was signed in 1985, and delivery began on July 26, 1988.

In recent years, photographic evidence has shown some F-7P airframes equipped with chaff/flare (CF) dispensers similar to those on the later J-7D, though the exact timeline for these additions remains unclear.

Pakistan_Air_Force_-_F-7P (1)

Weapons

Guns: x2 NR-30/Type 30-1 30mm cannons with 60 rounds per gun
Missiles: x2 AIM-9P Sidewinder or x2 AIM-9L Sidewinder on the inner pylons
Rockets: Type 57-1 (57 mm) rocket pods or Type 90 (90mm) rocket pods
Bombs: 50, 150, 250 or 500 kg bomb
Each outboard pylon can carry one of the above rocket pods, bombs, or a 500 litre drop tanks.

Specifications(should have same performance with J-7II):

Manufacturer: Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group(成都飞机工业有限责任公司)
Power Plant One 59.82 kN (13,488 lb. st.) Shenyang Liming WP-7B/BM
Weight: empty 5,275 kg (11,629 lb.); maximum take-off 7,531 kg (16,603 lb)
Wingspan: 23 feet, 5 inches (7.15 meters)
Speed: 2,175 km/h (1,350 mph) or Mach 2.05 between 41,010 and 60,700 feet)
Ceiling: 59,710 feet (18,200 meters); maximum rate of climb at sea level 35,433 ft/min (10,800 m/min
Range: 1,081 miles (1,740 km) with two missiles and three drop tanks.

Source

F-7P 'SKYBOLT'
J-7 / F-7 Fighter Aircraft, China
J-7 (Jianjiji-7 Fighter aircraft 7) / F-7
Versions of the MiG-21 - MiG-21.de
2023 World Air Forces directory | Report | Flight Global
Gordon, Yefim and Dmitry Komissarov. Chinese Aircraft: China’s Aviation Industry since 1951.Manchester, UK: Hikoki Publications, 2008. ISBN 978-1-902109-04-6

Jackson, Paul.Jane’s All The World’s Aircraft 2003–2004. Coulsdon, UK: Jane’s Information Group, 2003. ISBN 0-7106-2537-5.

6 Likes

+1 from a fierce nationalist here lol
ive put up the whole TT for a suggestion but it might never get approved.
also suggest the F-7PG with the new wing design and radar

5 Likes

TBH, I would like to see Pakistan vehicles implement as sub-tree or premium/event stuff.

4 Likes

And theres like around 50 or more unique ones too not to mention the ROSE program
Like here:

Let’s say Pakistani as a sub tree for china tech tree in the future

I might hope F-7P to researchable vehicle tree in rank VII

3 Likes

More clear photo of C/F dispenser

2 Likes

+1. I love to see vehicles from “minor” nations, and i hope Gaijin add more of them

This is just the regular J-7 CM dispenser though no? MiG-21 use pod and later wing root attachment while China uses the dorsal fin mounted CM Pod

Yes.

I don’t know the specific date, but it has the same CM as the J-7D and J-7E.