The Q-5 (prototype) was the first supersonic attack aircraft independently developed by China, built by the Nanchang Aircraft Factory based on the J-6 (MiG-19). The project was initially codenamed “Xiongying-302”.
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In the early 1950s, during amphibious operations such as the liberation of the Yijiangshan Islands, the close air support capabilities of the Soviet Il-10 attack aircraft left a deep impression on the Chinese military. To meet the urgent needs of the Air Force, the Nanchang Aircraft Factory was tasked in August 1958 with developing a supersonic attack aircraft. The aircraft was designed to provide the PLA Air Force with a dedicated attack platform capable of conducting low-altitude penetration, close air support, and ground attack missions. The project was initially codenamed “Xiongying-302,” with Lu Xiaopeng serving as the chief designer.
Based on the J-6 (MiG-19) fighter, the aircraft discarded the nose intake of the J-6 and adopted a conical nose with side intakes, a wasp-waist fuselage design, and an all-moving tailplane with an inclined pivot. a 30mm cannons were mounted on each side of the nose, and four symmetrically arranged air intakes were added to the nose and ventral weapons bay doors. By May 1960, the theoretical drawings and aerodynamic performance reports were completed, and the production of three prototypes was largely underway. However, due to national economic difficulties, the National Defense Industry Commission decided to “observe for six months whether the domestically designed Q-5 attack aircraft should proceed to trial production.” The original trial production team of over 300 people was drastically reduced, leaving only 14 individuals, including Lu Xiaopeng. The project faced the risk of cancellation in 1961, but the 14-member research team persisted in advancing the work in secret. During the day, they fulfilled other production tasks, while at night, they continued the trial production of the Q-5. Despite material shortages and conditions, they persevered for over 400 days and finally completed the assembly of the first Q-5 aircraft in July 1963.
On October 26, 1963, the 01st prototype, a static test aircraft, was destroyed during a loading test due to improper use of steel cables. On June 4, 1965, the 02nd prototype successfully completed its maiden flight at Zhangshu Airport in Jiangxi. However, during its first aerial cannon test firing, the smoke generated by the continuous firing of the two 30mm cannons in the nose was instantly ingested by the side intakes. The rotational speed of both engines dropped sharply, the high-pressure compressors experienced surge-induced shuddering, and ultimately both engines flamed out in mid-air! Fortunately, the test pilot immediately ceased firing, stabilized the aircraft’s attitude, and restarted the engines, allowing the test aircraft to land safely. Subsequent analysis of the flight test data confirmed that the cannon smoke caused a 28% loss of oxygen flow in the Q-5’s side intakes, leading to the surge and flameout of both engines. Consequently, starting from the 04th prototype, the design with 30mm cannons in the nose was abandoned. Instead, one Type 23-2 23mm cannon was installed in each wing root. The 04th prototype also had its original nose cannon ports sealed, relocating the cannons to the wing roots.
The 02nd prototype, which completed the maiden flight, is now preserved at the Chinese Flight Test Establishment in Yanliang, Shaanxi, displayed as a sculpture after its retirement. The 04th prototype is preserved at the China Aviation Museum in Xiaotangshan, Beijing.
Spoiler
Although the 30mm cannons mounted in the nose of the prototype could cause engine flameouts during continuous firing, we can overlook this issue for the sake of gameplay. It could be introduced as a BR 9.0 event or premium vehicle in the game.
The differences between the existing Q-5 early production model in the game and the Q-5 prototype are as follows:
- The blade antenna was relocated from the top of the right intake to the spine.
- Four symmetrically arranged air intakes were added to the nose and ventral weapons bay doors.
- An air intake was added to the nose landing gear door.
Spoiler
Length: 15.65 m
Wingspan: 9.68 m
Height: 4.33 m
Wing Area:* 27.95 m²
Empty Weight: Approx. 6,400 kg
Normal Takeoff Weight: 9,130 kg
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 11,300 kg
Internal Fuel Weight: 2,000 kg (approx. 2,640 liters)
Maximum Payload: 1,500 kg
Maximum Level Flight Speed: 1,240 km/h (at 5,000 m altitude)
Service Ceiling: 16,500 m
Combat Radius: 600 km
Maximum Range: 1,630 km (with auxiliary fuel tanks)
Takeoff Run: 700-750 m
Landing Run: 1,060 m (without drag parachute)
Powerplant:
Two Wopen-6 turbojet engines, each with an afterburning thrust of 31.87 kN.
4 external hardpoints
- One 30mm cannon on each side of the nose
- 2 × rocket pods
- 4 × 250 kg /500 kg bombs (2 stored internally in the weapons bay, 2 mounted on underwing
hardpoints)
Spoiler
The 04th prototype
The 04th prototype had its original nose cannon ports sealed
The 02th prototype
